DEC Housing logo
Ph: 1300 530 399     info@dechousing.org.au
DEC Housing
Contact Us
DEC Housing
Contact Us

Celebrating Choice and Inclusion: Opening of Specialist Disability Accommodation in Newcomb

Street view of the Newcomb SDA property, a single-storey home in Geelong Victoria

Christine Couzens, MP for Geelong, today joined disability service providers, DEC Housing and Gateways Support Services, to officially open a new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home in Newcomb.

Member for Geelong Chris Couzens with representatives of DEC Housing and Gateways Support Services beside a DEC Housing bannerThe architect-designed property is a shining example of how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is transforming lives by enabling people with disability to live with choice, control, and dignity.

“This home is more than bricks and mortar; it’s about safety, comfort and joy,” Ms Couzens said. “It will allow residents to live the life they choose, in a home that meets their needs and reflects their aspirations. Two of the new residents are sisters who are absolutely delighted to be able to continue living together, something that matters deeply to them and their family.”

Open-plan accessible kitchen and living area with roll-under benchtop at the Newcomb SDA property, Geelong Victoria

Located in a quiet suburban court in Victoria’s second city, the home offers three large bedrooms with private ensuites, expansive gardens and lawn, and features that enable residents to age in place. Built to ‘high physical support’ specification, it ensures comfort and security for those who need it most.

Ms Couzens highlighted the critical role of disability service providers in making this project possible:

“Congratulations to DEC Housing and Gateways Support Services for their work in delivering this much needed accommodation. Homes like this demonstrate what choice and control look like in practice.”

Strong local demand for SDA housing in Geelong

Geelong reflects the broader Victorian trend of high SDA demand. Across Victoria, more than 7,000 NDIS participants have SDA funding, with over 2,000 still seeking suitable homes. This gap underscores the urgent need for projects like Newcomb, which provide purpose-built housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. sdadata.com.au

Accessible bathroom with ceiling hoist track, roll-in shower and grab rails at the Newcomb SDA property, Geelong Victoria

Steve Gosbell, Home Solutions Adviser at DEC Housing, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been able to make a real difference in the lives of these residents. Seeing two sisters move into a home where they can live together and thrive is incredibly rewarding for our team. DEC Housing is committed to continuing this work with NDIS participants in and around Geelong, providing new, customised SDA housing options that reflect their choices and aspirations.”

Ms Couzens commended the collaboration between DEC Housing and Gateways Support Services: “Partnerships like this are essential. DEC Housing and Gateways have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and I look forward to seeing DEC Housing continue to work with local in-home providers to deliver homes for people with disability and others vulnerable to homelessness – homes they want, in communities they love.”

The property is conveniently located near Bellarine Village Shopping Centre and medical facilities, ensuring residents remain connected to services and community life.