A disability accommodation provider has announced a proposal to build more guest houses on the Sunshine Coast.
Lavender Co plans to build eight guest cabins on its six-hectare Yandina property later this year and in early 2025, to provide a home away from home for people with disabilities.
The accommodation is modelled on the success of their property in Buderim and will allow guests to stay in their own space with the support of a dedicated team member onsite.
Lavender Co founder Mike Burke said the initiative would be of significant benefit.
“We are building on the success of our existing six properties to offer more opportunities for people in our community to have choice and control over where and how they choose to live,” he said.
“Our proven model of holistic care is based on empowering guests with practical skills to live their best lives. It is our hope that we create a model that can be replicated anywhere in Australia or the world, on how disability can be done different.”
“Our mix of respite, short-term and long-term accommodation has empowered the families of our guests to return to work – sometimes for the first time in over a decade – which has obvious flow-on effects for the wellbeing of the broader community and local economy.”
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Inspired by his students whilst teaching in a local special school, Mr Burke and his wife Simone established Lavender Co with a respite apartment in 2018 to support families who were seeking disability done differently for their loved one.
Fast forward to 2024 and Lavender Co is improving the lives of people with a disability by providing home away from home and respite services with team members across the Sunshine Coast.
“Our 62 trained and energetic staff work across six boutique properties where guests live independently with the care they need – taking part in activities from gardening to cooking to painting and enjoying community participation of their preference,” Mr Burke said.
He said Sunshine Coast Council had granted conditional approval for the new properties and they were working through to meet those conditions and make the accommodation a reality for future guests in the new year.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the new guest houses would be well received.
“I warmly congratulate Lavender Co on the launch of their plans to expand their guest accommodation in Yandina,” she said.
“This is a wonderful addition to our region, providing a welcoming space for guests to enjoy all that our community has to offer.
“Sunshine Coast Council is proud to support organisations like Lavender Co that invest in our region to create positive experiences and enhance our thriving community.
“Lavender Co’s commitment to holistic care is really inspiring, and I look forward to seeing the positive benefits for the residents and their families.”
The Yandina property has an existing Queenslander-style home providing a home for four guests.
Whilst there, guests participate in gardening activities, harvest produce from the garden, care for the chickens and prepare meals using homegrown produce.
Mr Burke said the integration of nature and daily living highlighted Lavender Co.’s emphasis on providing a holistic living experience and providing a safe and calm environment.
The care is funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Mr Burke said, without it, their guests would face a different reality.
“Whilst there are changes afoot for the NDIS, the current funding helps us to have a positive impact on the lives of people living with a disability,” he said.
“Through the scheme, Lavender Co has provided positive outcomes for people who deserve to live their best lives in a safe, supportive environment.”
Members of the community recently attended an open day at Lavender Co.’s Buderim Community Residence property, to see a replica of the cabins that would go into Yandina.
Mayor Natoli also attended the breakfast event, where families during school holidays took part in lawn games and face painting.
