Local non-profit organisation Seton Villa has announced it will be investing over $11million into redeveloping purpose-built disability accommodation over the next three years, in Marsfield and surrounding areas.
For 35 years, Seton Vila has managed housing and supported independent living for women with intellectual disabilities in Marsfield and currently operates seven houses for 27 residents. The funds will be invested in rebuilding existing properties and purchasing new properties, all of which will remain in and around the Ryde area. The project will be rolled out over three years to minimise disruption to residents, so that they can remain in local Seton Villa-managed houses throughout the transition.
The funding is the result of the organisation's investment portfolio and a donation from the Australian Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, who set up and managed Seton Villa residential accommodation services in 1966. Today the organisation is run by an independent Board of Directors and management team, and the Daughters of Charity continue to support the organisation, being represented by Sr Debra McCarthy – who has previously held executive roles at disability services organisations and is a trained speech therapist – holding a non-executive Director role.
Seton Villa's recently appointed CEO Peter Gardiner says: "We are in an incredibly fortunate position to access funds that can directly benefit the women who live at Seton Villa's houses. Each person has unique needs that traditional housing does not adequately cater to. We want to ensure we offer choice, alongside the best possible building design and functionality, ensuring our residents have the continuity of care while remaining in their local community.
"By rebuilding and purchasing new properties we can take on board the requirements and requests of new and potential residents in order to raise the quality of living and sense of community for everyone."
The decision to invest funds in higher quality and bespoke accommodation was due to the organisation's focus to offer more options for current and future residents.
Mr Gardiner added: "Through a portfolio of housing options, we will be able to offer people with disabilities more choice in where they live, the residents they'd prefer to share with, the individualised professional support, or proximity to specific community activities. This is our way of offering people accessing NDIS funding true choice and control without having to leave the area they know and love."
The building project is being designed by Kennedy Associates Architects who are recognised leaders in specialised disability accommodation having previously been engaged by Housing NSW and NSW Department of Family and Community Services – Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) to design group home accommodation throughout New South Wales.
