Moving into a thoughtfully designed and purpose-built apartment has been ‘an absolute game changer’ for Shanon, a resident at AccessAccom’s Specialist Disability Housing (SDA) apartments in Woolooware, Sydney.
Everyone should have a home that suits their needs and supports the daily life that works for them. When people are living with a condition like Spina Bifida, elements like being able to move comfortably through their home while using a wheelchair can make a huge difference.
After living in a standard rental that wasn’t accessible, Shanon chose his new home at Woolooware Bay – Bayview with clear priorities: an accessible bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. These are key areas that directly affect day-to-day independence and comfort.
The move has had a powerful impact on Shanon’s quality of life. Tasks that once demanded extra effort are now stress-free and his overall sense of independence has never been stronger. He shared that living in his apartment “has been an absolute game changer”.
Bank Australia’s impact lending team financed ten beautiful, high physical support SDA apartments in the Bayview development. (as well as a separate OOA for on site support staff).
Bayview was celebrated at an event welcoming residents, families, support workers, local service providers and community leaders. As AccessAccom noted, the strong demand for these homes highlights the urgent need for high-quality, accessible housing in the local area.
Each apartment is designed to the High Physical Support design standard for SDA housing and in addition features advanced home automation, discreet accessibility features, high quality finishes and secure parking — ensuring comfort, dignity and independence for every resident.
Now happily settled in, Shanon couldn’t be more pleased. “The location couldn’t be better. I absolutely love where I live.” With medical services and grocery stores located in the shopping centre just downstairs — and the beach only ten minutes away — everything he needs is within easy reach. This is Shanon’s first time living in an accessible home, and the difference has been profound.
What is impact lending?
Our impact lending business is a critical part of our commitment to responsible banking. It’s part of how we meet our customers’ expectations that their money is invested in ways that create positive social and environmental impact.
Bank Australia was the first bank in the country to lend to organisations for specialist disability accommodation (SDA), and to date has funded SDA housing in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Along with SDA projects, our impact lending team provides loans to values-aligned organisations to purchase and build affordable housing and green homes. The team also supports individual SDA participant home loans by working closely with our retail banking team.
Learn more about impact finance at Bank Australia.
