From Richmond to Hollywood to the Sirens: Belinda’s Story   

Belinda first learned about Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) during a conversation with a social worker at the Austin Hospital. “I didn’t know it even existed back then. At that point I was just getting on the NDIS,” she recalls.  

With the right support, Belinda began the process of adding SDA to her plan. Richmond was her dream location – close to the city and all the activities she loved – but the apartments were already full. “I first put my name down for Cheltenham, because Richmond wasn’t available at that point. There were already six tenants looking at Richmond, then one pulled out. I was on the waiting list for Richmond, and it came available. So I grabbed it!”  

Reflecting on the journey, Belinda knows what made all the difference. “A really good support coordinator who knows the housing application process. I think that is really key. A good OT is also key to write that functional capacity assessment.” Her biggest piece of advice for anyone starting out? “Start early. Even if you don’t think you’re quite ready to move into SDA, still start the process, get it into your plan. Then you’ve got time to find a place that really suits you.”  

Moving into her own apartment has given Belinda a sense of independence she hadn’t felt before. “I used to live with my mum, which was not a bad situation, but she was my only support. Now, with a team of support workers, it’s just easier to control the things I want to do, and when I want to do them. It gives me the opportunity to do more things.”  

That independence has also strengthened her relationship with her mum. “We can talk a lot easier now. We can have regular conversations that everyone else has, because it’s not around support. It’s just talking about our days. It’s quite good, I like it.”  

Technology in her apartment has brought even more freedom and security. “I rely a lot on the AT. Having the ability to open doors, open curtains, turn the lights on and off from my bed if I’m stuck in bed is really good. Being able to contact support if things go wrong; like once the fire alarm went off at 3am, that was a little bit scary. I like that security. I’ve got my own space, but if I need someone, someone’s there.”  

Belinda also remembers how supported she felt by Guardian Living during the transition. “On my move-in day, the moving van never turned up, but Guardian Living jumped in and helped me with that.”  

Now settled, Belinda is embracing the freedom she always wanted. “Freedom to choose what you want for dinner. You can do what you want in your apartment. It’s just a freedom to express yourself.”  

And with that freedom has come the space to pursue her passions. She’s kept up acting – even appearing in a Hollywood film, Ricky Stanicky – and recently discovered a new love: boccia. She is now the captain of an all-female club, the Melbourne Sirens. 

“It’s all-inclusive, you can do it socially or be competitive. I’d love some more great female players to come play with us. Anyone who’s curious should come down and have a go. It’s welcoming, fun and you never know where it might take you,” she says.   

The Melbourne Sirens train on a Thursday afternoon at Narrandjeri Stadium in Thornbury. Any one interested in having a go at Boccia are more then welcome to come along.

You can contact pathwaysvic@boccia.com.au for more details.