BlueCHP has officially opened its latest SDA home (Specialist Disability Accommodation) in NSW, welcoming residents, families, project partners, and community members to ‘PaRA House’ on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
Located in Sydney’s Lane Cove, this purpose-built ‘Forever Home’ was developed in close partnership with SILC (Supporting Independent Living Co-operative) and the PaRa Co-operative (Parent Assisted Residential Accommodation). It will provide high-quality, long-term housing for the three house members.
PaRA House was built to ‘Robust’ SDA design standards, and thoughtfully tailored to meet the specific needs of the residents. It is the result of years of vision, dedication, and collaboration.
A Community Effort & Celebration
BlueCHP extends sincere thanks to the many guests who joined us to celebrate the official opening of the home. This includes members of the PaRa and SILC communities, supporters, and partner organisations. BlueCHP especially acknowledges For Purpose Investment Partners and Academy Constructions for their support and commitment in making this project possible.
“This is a disability home built for people with disabilities, but you wouldn’t really know it, and that’s very important to us.”
-Steve Anthony, parent and founder of SILC
“The benefits go beyond living in a lovely new SDA house — We anticipate positive behaviour changes, improved quality of life, and more social interaction. This is a key aspect of client-led disability housing.”
-Liz Skerrett, parent and member of ‘PaRA House Co-operative’
Thoughts About the New SDA Home
Charles Northcote
Speaking at the opening, BlueCHP CEO Charles Northcote reflected on the importance of building homes that go beyond bricks and mortar. He said; “In other homes we’ve built, we’ve seen significant changes in the behaviour of (residents), and that’s what it’s really all about. It’s not without its challenges, but we go the extra mile because we care about our clients.”
Michelle Northcote
Michelle Northcote, BlueCHP’s National Manager, Disability Housing, described the opening as the culmination of a challenging yet rewarding journey. She reflected; “It’s been a project of many trials and tribulations, but to be here today is exciting. We persevered and worked closely with families, architects, and builders, to bring it to life. It’s a privilege to provide a home for life for these three young men, and I’m so grateful for the patience and support of everyone involved. This home isn’t just a building — It’s the result of years of dedication and collaboration.”
Steve Anthony
SILC founder and father of one of the house residents, Steve Anthony, said; “This is a disability home built for people with disabilities, but you wouldn’t really know it, and that’s very important to us. Our boys love living here, and that’s the main thing. It took a long time, but that’s a good thing, because now they have a secure future. The attention to detail and care from BlueCHP… is what makes them special, and we’re beneficiaries of that commitment.”
Liz Skerrett
For families, the change has been life-altering. Liz Skerrett, mother one of the house residents, shared; “(My Son) is a gentle giant, a man of few words, but as his mum I know what he would say. (He) says it’s not just bricks and mortar — it’s life-changing for him, his parents, siblings, and his 26 first cousins — and all the staff and carers who’ve been part of his life for the last 30 years. (He) forgets no one. The BlueCHP Guide You Home Initiative for PaRA has achieved its goal — to build them a great home. Doug says it feels like home, smells like home, and it’s his forever home. He loves it. To me, the benefits go beyond living in a lovely new SDA house — We anticipate positive behaviour changes, improved quality of life, and more social interaction. This is a key aspect of client-led disability housing.”
Designed with the Co-operative Group
The residence includes:
- A centrally-located OOA room (On-site Overnight Assistance) with internal windows, allowing residents to easily see and speak with support staff whenever needed.
- Acoustic pin-boards that create a quieter, more peaceful space where residents can feel relaxed, communicate more easily, and enjoy activities without distraction. The pin-board surfaces allow residents to personalise their space with pictures, artwork, and daily reminders.
- Automatic internal and external blinds
- High raked ceiling in living room with additional skylights in common areas, making the home bright and airy
- Garage designed to incorporate additional storage space
- Landscaping featuring non-toxic plants and planting area for a vegetable garden
- Robust-quality, high backyard fence to prevent absconding by residents
PaRA House is more than a building. It is a safe, welcoming, and secure home for life, built with care and precision to meet the needs of its residents, now, and into the future.
