Cairns’ newest fully accessible home complete
Russell Boll says the first thing he’s going to do when he moves into his new home is cook up a storm.
Mr Boll is one of four people with an intellectual disability in Cairns who will benefit from the latest assistive living technology this week when they move into a fully accessible home, fully funded by Endeavour Foundation.
The new $935k development has been built to the highest level of the Liveable Housing Australia (LHA) Guidelines – Platinum.
- Research estimates another 12,000 Australians with a disability require accessible housing1
- The house is also eco-friendly with solar power, skylights, and solar hot water systems
- It’s the sixth home built by Endeavour Foundation in the region in seven years, five of which were fully funded by the organisation – a total investment of $4.2m
CEO Andrew Donne said the new home showed Endeavour Foundation is committed to supporting Far North Queenslanders with a disability.
“We are incredibly proud of this new development, which will be home to four people with a disability and has been co-designed by them with their needs in mind,” Mr Donne said.
“Many people with an intellectual disability aspire to live more independently and it is something their families and their service providers work hard to help them achieve.
“This home is close to amenities, shops and public transport and has an additional fifth room for a support worker, who will be available 24/7.
“With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), we can expect more people to require accessible housing so it is vital organisations like Endeavour Foundation make these investments.”
Russell Boll said he was looking forward to putting the new kitchen to good use.
“It’s very flash and it’s close to the bus stop and shops,” Mr Boll said, “I can’t wait to move in and cook on my new stove.”
The home was constructed by Cairns builder Allaro Homes, with locally supplied trades, fixtures and fittings used throughout, wherever possible.
Endeavour Foundation has supported people with a disability in the Cairns region for 56 years and continues to provide support to more than 170 people at work, at home and in the community.