By Mikayla van Loon
The probability for people with a disability accessing purpose-built housing in Australia is unfortunately quite low, meaning the reality of moving out of home is usually not something people consider.
That was the mentality Nic Palich, 24, had until he found the Melba Support Services collaboration with Community Housing Limited (CHL) which built 15 specialist disability accommodation (SDA) townhouses in Lilydale.
“It wasn’t actually something that we were even looking at. Mum honestly thought I was going to live at home and probably end up owning the house when she and dad have passed,” he said.
By chance, Nic’s mum went to a conference and heard from a representative of Melba Support Services. Two to three months later, Nic had secured a house of his own in Lilydale.
Knowing how lucky he was to get a house so quickly, with 28,000 Australians with a disability currently living in inappropriate accommodations, Nic said he doesn’t take it for granted.
“[Some people are] still looking after multiple years. I’ve heard that a lot,” he said.
“I really wasn’t looking that much but when we started looking, thankfully I found the right people and was able to go straight in and push it forward.
“This year, it’s all just fallen into place and I feel very lucky for that because I’m sure a lot of people don’t have this happen.”
Nic was able to move into his two-bedroom townhouse in January this year, making it the first time he has lived on his own.
“It’s very different. I’ve had to do a lot more. It’s definitely been worth it,” Nic said.
Moving out also forced Nic, in a positive way, to get his driver’s licence, which has enabled him to get around more easily, especially to his work in The Basin.
Having previously had to rely on his parents or public transport and be on his parent’s time frame, Nic said if he had to describe his new living arrangements “in one word, it would be freedom”.
Although his disability hasn’t prevented him from achieving, Nic is now thriving living on his own.
“I have ADHD and autism, so it’s not a really hard to live with disability, like some others. I am fairly medicated, if I wasn’t on my medication I’d be a lot more heightened.
“Since moving out, and all that, it’s definitely been a lot more relaxing.”
Adding to the achievements of this year, Nic also started his own photography business where he’s already done birthdays and special events.
A community has also started to form at the Anderson Street complex, with Nic making a number of friends, where he’s able to enjoy the company of his neighbours.
“We have a little common area and I’m the only one that’s pretty much attached to the common area without going outside.
“That’s really good for me because I’m very chatty and I just chill down there half the day and if I don’t have anything to do, I’ll go down there and chat to people.”
