At Home with Dr Melinda Smith

At Guardian Living, we believe home should be more than a place to live. It should be a place where you feel safe, supported and free to be yourself.

For Dr Melinda Smith OAM, home has become exactly that. A space where her creativity flows and her ideas take shape.

It wasn’t until Melinda moved into her SDA apartment that she was really able to unleash all of her creative pursuits in a purpose-built, accessible home.

“There was a time when I didn’t have this creative space at home,” Melinda reflects. “I don’t think I realised how much of it was missing in my life.”

A space designed for living well

Melinda’s bright and colourful home supports her independence while giving her the room to create, reflect and grow.

Her painting and drawing desk is a central feature, a place where she develops her own vibrant body of work using watercolours and black ink.

Drawing inspiration from Indigenous artist Kaylene Whiskey, Melinda is also writing her memoir, a written and visual story that weaves together her art and life experiences. From her study, which overlooks a balcony that she’s created into a lush haven, she finds the calm and clarity to read, write and create. Melinda has her PhD in Arts and Disability and is a member of the Women’s Circus.

For Melinda, creativity also flows into everyday moments. She loves cooking, especially her improvised vegetarian creations, and enjoys spending time outside with a good book.

“Many creative pursuits continue to come from the heart of my home now – it really is exciting to feel this way.”

Melinda lives in a one-bedroom apartment with her beloved housemate – her cat, India, who celebrates her ninth birthday this week and spends time on her cat perch watching Melinda as she paints, draws and cooks.

Being able to live with her cat has also created a house that feels like a home for Melinda.

Independence that makes room for possibility

For Melinda, independence is not just about having a place of her own. It is about having the right environment, set-up and support to live the life she knows she can.

“Nowadays I just want to create and live the life I know I can,” she says. “Woo hoo.”

It is this sense of confidence and possibility that sits at the heart of what we do at Guardian Living. A thoughtfully designed home can open doors – literally and metaphorically – but can also provide the foundation for creativity, connection and personal growth.

Melinda has made her home her own, and in doing so, has created a space that nurtures her art, her writing and her everyday joy. If you or someone you support is looking for a home that makes room for independence, creativity and connection, we would love to hear from you.

Contact our friendly team on 1300 452 732 or email info@guardianliving.com.au to explore current vacancies and find a place that feels right.