New purpose-built homes for people with disability open in Geraldton

Geraldton has become home to regional Western Australia’s first modern and purpose-built homes for people with disability, following the completion of the hotly anticipated West End Villas.

West End Villas are a nation-leading example of Specialist Disability Accommodation and have been expertly crafted under National Insurance Disability Scheme standards.

Activ Executive Manager Operations North Michelle Bilson said the new homes were a welcome update to Geraldton’s previous infrastructure for the disability community and helped give residents housing choice, design input and independence.

“This project is the first offering of its kind in Geraldton and in WA,” Bilson said.

“Unfortunately, many existing options for people with disability are not fit for purpose, but SDA provides opportunity for property developers like WAI Group to bring people greater choice regarding the homes they live in.

“Customisation could include the use of assistive technology or bespoke floor plans which increase independence and dignity.

“The homes are modern and spacious and are just really great places to live and the fact that this has been made possible in regional WA is even more special,” Bilson said.

Activ has been working with WAI Group and Community Housing Limited since 2019 to deliver West End Villas, with project partners providing a level of control and ownership previously not possible through government funding.

Community Housing Ltd is the registered specialised disability accommodation provider who will provide ongoing tenancy and property management services.

Community Housing Ltd State Manager Garry Ellender described Geraldton’s new homes as high-quality, affordable and accessible and he said they would provide the foundation for a sense of belonging within the community and promote a lifestyle of independence.

“These purpose-built homes will showcase contemporary living opportunities for those with special care needs supporting independence, choice and dignity,” Ellender said.

“We believe people with disability have the same right to the safety and comfort of having a permanent roof over their head just as anyone else,” he said.

State Disability Services Minister Hon. Don Punch MLA said the West End Villas were an excellent step forward in delivering greater housing choice for people with disability particularly in regional Western Australia.

“The State Government is keen to see eligible Western Australians with disability activate their SDA entitlements and exercise choice and control over their housing – which is what makes the opening of this Geraldton project so exciting,” Minister Punch said.

“It is fantastic to see nation-leading SDA projects, such as the West End Villas, being built in regional WA and I look forward to seeing the construction of similar developments across the state.”

According to project manager and developer WAI Group, West End Villas will be the first in a pipeline of purpose-built housing solutions for people with disability in WA.

WAI Group Director Paul Stanley said there were many people in Geraldton and the Mid-West that qualified for SDA funding and could be serviced by future WAI Group accommodation modernising this space.

“Keep an eye out for developments in Bluff Point, Sunset Beach, High Wycombe and South Bunbury. We’re also building in Caversham, Albany, Queens Park, Carlisle and River Riverton.” Stanley said.

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