Independence, Routine and Community: Sam’s Story in Sunbury 

At 33, Sam has built a life in Sunbury that feels balanced, social and firmly on her terms. 

Before moving into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Sam was living with her parents locally in Diggers Rest. She was often back and forth between rentals and spent a lot of time in Sunbury visiting friends. It already felt like home. 

“I was always visiting Sunbury, so it just made sense to move there,” she says. 

Sam first heard about SDA as an opportunity to live more independently. When her mum was away for a period of time, she got a taste of what that independence could feel like. 

“I liked it. I ventured out and thought I can do this.” 

With the support of her carers and family, Sam began looking at homes around Sunbury. One of her carers found the property she now lives in and it’s been the right fit ever since. 

Living life on her terms 

For Sam, the biggest change hasn’t just been the house itself — it’s the freedom that comes with it. 

“Freedom of what I want to do, when I want to do it,” she says. “Going to bed when I want to. Not having to wait to be put to bed.” 

Her routine is now built around her preferences, not someone else’s schedule. That sense of choice and control has shifted daily life in meaningful ways. 

Her home is close to everything including shops, cafes, doctors, the gym.  

“Everything is walkable,” she says. “It has everything.” 

At home, Sam enjoys having family and friends over for dinner, listening to music and relaxing. The kitchen and living area are now where she spends most of her time. 

“Before I moved here, I was in my room pretty much all the time,” she reflects. 

Now, there’s a stronger sense of connection both inside and outside the home. While she enjoys being social, she also values quiet time. “I like a good mix,” she says.  

“Social, but also time on my own.” 

A life connected to community 

Sunbury offers Sam the lifestyle she was looking for. Her friends are nearby, and she spends plenty of time in town, or they come to her. 

“All my friends are in Sunbury. That’s another reason why I moved there,” she says.  

“We go out for dinner or they come over.” 

She follows local basketball, supports the Western Bulldogs in the AFL (“Go the Doggies”), and enjoys keeping up with family and friends on social media, often sharing funny videos and memes to make people laugh. 

“Being social is important to me,” she says. “But I also need a quiet environment.” 

Advice for others considering SDA 

For anyone thinking about moving into SDA, Sam’s advice is straightforward. 

“You can enjoy the independence of doing what you want instead of having to check in with your parents or carers. There’s way more freedom.” 

Her experience with Guardian Living has been simple and consistent. 

“I’ve gotten what I’ve needed when I’ve needed it,” she says. 

Now settled in Sunbury, Sam has a home that supports both her independence and her connection to community — a place where she can set her own routine, welcome friends and family, and live life in a way that feels right for her.