


MELBOURNE
Bridging Impact Housing Solutions 2025 - SDA & Community and
SILSDA Victoria Maximising SIL Impact Conferences 2025
1st, 2nd and 3rd July 2025
Attend 1, 2 or all days
3 day conference
1st, 2nd, 3rd July 2025
Attend 1, 2 or all Days
Day 1 inc sit down dinner $600pp
Day 1 without dinner $450pp
Day 2 only $400pp
Day 3 only $295pp
Early bird Bundle
Day 1 & 2 inc dinner on Day 1 : $799pp
Day 1, 2 & 3 inc dinner : $990pp
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Prices for early bird bundle increase 20% after
31st March 2025
About the Conference
The Melbourne Bridging Impact Housing Solutions 2025 Conference (1st-2nd July 2025) and SILSDA Victoria Maximising SIL Impact 2025 session (3rd July 2025) offer invaluable opportunities to address the evolving needs of the disability housing sector and enhance support for vulnerable populations.
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Bridging Impact Housing Solutions 2025 (1st-2nd July 2025) will provide a comprehensive examination of Specialist Disability Accommodation , Short-Term Accommodation (STA), Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA), and smart housing solutions. Key topics include navigating NDIS reforms, addressing vacant SDA homes, and exploring data-driven strategies for smooth housing transitions from crisis to long-term solutions.
Attendees will learn how town planning can integrate hospitals, social housing, and SDA, ensuring better service delivery.
The summit will also focus on the role of smart housing technologies and assistive devices, optimizing energy efficiency, tenant comfort, and safety. This is a must-attend event for professionals in healthcare, housing, and social impact investing, as it will provide practical tools, regulatory insights, and collaborative strategies for improving housing solutions for individuals with complex health needs.
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SILSDA Victoria Maximising SIL Impact 2025 (3rd July 2025) will specifically focus on Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers. Attendees will gain essential knowledge on the latest regulatory updates, financial strategies, and operational challenges.
The session will also explore the vital role of STA and MTA in supporting individuals transitioning from hospitals or requiring crisis accommodation. Practical insights on repurposing vacant SDA homes for transitional and crisis housing will be discussed, along with strategies for partnering with mental health services and other stakeholders.
Key topics include workforce regulations, compliance, and leveraging funding opportunities to ensure the sustainability of SIL services. This session is crucial for SIL providers, healthcare professionals, housing organizations, and mental health advocates looking to enhance their service delivery and collaborate on solutions that benefit the most vulnerable populations.
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Why attend?
By attending both events, participants will gain in-depth knowledge on the latest regulatory developments, innovative housing solutions, and collaboration strategies. They will leave with actionable insights on improving service delivery, addressing housing shortages, and creating better outcomes for individuals with complex needs. Whether you're involved in housing development, healthcare, or disability services, these events provide the tools to enhance your impact and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive future for vulnerable communities.
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Register today and help pave the way for better housing outcomes for those who need it most!
​What to Expect:
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Strategic insights will be shared by industry leaders, NDIS compliance experts, and providers on how to navigate the evolving SDA sector, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of housing for vulnerable populations.
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Practical solutions will be provided, with actionable strategies on repurposing vacant properties, fostering collaboration across sectors, and addressing the specific needs of tenants in crisis, ensuring that housing solutions are both effective and impactful.
Data-driven discussions will highlight the critical role of leveraging data to streamline housing transitions, enabling smoother processes and ensuring long-term housing stability for individuals as they move through various stages of care.
Innovative design and technology will take centre stage, as attendees discover cutting-edge approaches to designing SDA homes that balance the urgent needs of crisis accommodation with long-term housing stability.
Smart technologies for enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability will also be explored, ensuring a forward-thinking approach to housing design.
Networking opportunities will abound, allowing attendees to engage with key stakeholders across the SDA sector, healthcare, community housing, and social impact investing.
These interactions will foster collaborations that drive meaningful, long-term change in the housing landscape.
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By the end of Day 1, attendees will have gained a clear understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in the SDA sector, practical tools to navigate regulatory and funding complexities, and innovative strategies for improving housing solutions for vulnerable populations.
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Full Speaker BIO and list available by 31st March 2025 or earlier
8.00am - 8.25am
Registration and Arrival
8.30am - 8.40am
Welcome and Introductions
8.45am - 9.45am
Opening Panel Session with audience Q & A and engagement using hand-held microphones
Adapting to Change: Navigating NDIS Reforms and Ensuring Sustainable Success in the SDA Sector
As the National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms reshape the landscape of Specialist Disability Accommodation , this panel session will delve into the challenges and opportunities these changes present for investors, developers, and providers.
Industry leaders, NDIS compliance experts, SDA assessors, and SIL and SDA providers will come together to discuss the implications of key reforms, including the accelerated decommissioning of outdated SDA stock, the shift away from one-bedroom dwellings, and the trend toward smaller, more personalized housing models.
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The panel will also explore the impact of higher accessibility standards, such as the Liveable Housing Australia (LHA) Gold standard, and innovative programs like "Try Before You Rent," which offer new opportunities for investor strategies and tenant satisfaction.
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Further, the discussion will address strategies for rebuilding trust and restoring financial viability in the SDA sector, with a focus on engaging lenders and investors for long-term success.
The issue of vacant robust SDA homes and the misalignment between supply and tenant demand will also be explored, along with potential solutions to optimize occupancy and better match properties with participants’ needs.
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This session will provide practical advice on due diligence, regulatory compliance, and ethical investment, equipping attendees with actionable insights to navigate the evolving SDA sector while fostering sustainability, integrity, and positive long-term outcomes for tenants and stakeholders alike.
9.45am - 10.15am
Transforming Empty SDA Homes into Sustainable Solutions: Addressing Challenges and Creating Positive Impact for Investors, Participants, and Vulnerable Communities
The Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector has faced significant challenges, with many investors initially drawn by promises of strong returns and the opportunity to create positive social impact.
However, delays in NDIS participant entry, mismatches between property designs and participant needs, and supply-demand imbalances have left investors financially stressed and questioning the viability of their investments.​
These issues have also impacted participants, who face delays in accessing suitable accommodation and the necessary support for their unique needs. These challenges, while frustrating, reflect the growing pains of a sector still evolving to meet the needs of both investors and the vulnerable populations it aims to serve.
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This session will provide practical, interim solutions to address these challenges.
We will explore the repurposing of underutilised SDA properties for Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA), which can immediately help address urgent needs such as hospital discharge, mental health recovery, and crisis accommodation.
These solutions not only offer a way for investors to generate revenue and meet their social impact goals but also ensure that participants have access to the care and accommodation they need during transitional periods.
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The session will also highlight how strategic partnerships with health providers, crisis accommodation organizations, and community housing groups can enhance SDA utilisation, benefiting both investors and participants. We will discuss how aligning SDA investments with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can create a sustainable, ethical investment model that addresses the broader social housing needs of vulnerable communities.
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By transforming empty SDA properties into meaningful transitional housing solutions, this presentation will provide a roadmap for investors to mitigate financial challenges while helping to ensure that participants receive timely, appropriate housing and support, fostering a lasting positive impact across the social housing sector.
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10.15am - 10.30am
Morning tea
Break
10.30am - 11.00am
Balancing Short-Term Crisis Accommodation with Long-Term Housing Needs: Data-Driven Strategies for Seamless Transitions
This session will focus on developing strategies to balance the urgent needs of short-term crisis accommodation with the long-term housing requirements of participants.
We will explore the critical challenge of managing transitions from Short-Term Accommodation to Specialist Disability Accommodation, emphasizing the importance of minimizing disruption for participants and ensuring continuity of care throughout the process.
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Drawing on data-driven insights, the session will examine how understanding participant needs—based on factors such as medical, psychological, and social requirements—can help in the design and delivery of both transitional and permanent housing solutions. By leveraging these insights, providers can better match participants with appropriate accommodation options and ensure a smooth transition to long-term placements.
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The discussion will also cover funding considerations, exploring how to navigate NDIS funding streams for both short-term crisis housing and long-term placements. Attendees will gain practical strategies for securing financial resources that support the development and maintenance of sustainable, effective housing solutions for individuals with disabilities.
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By the end of the session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of how to balance short-term crisis needs with long-term housing objectives, and how to leverage data and funding opportunities to ensure both sustainable outcomes for participants and financial viability for investors and providers.
11.00am - 11.30am
How Financial Institutions, Builders, Developers, and Investors can benefit and contribute to ESG and Social Impact in Crisis Accommodation and SDA Housing
This session will delve into the vital role financial institutions, builders, developers, and investors play in addressing housing challenges for vulnerable populations while benefiting from socially responsible investments.
​Focusing on the intersection of financial returns and social impact, the discussion will explore how these sectors can meet the growing demand for crisis accommodation and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing.
A notable portion of Robust SDA homes remain vacant due to mismatches between design and tenant needs, as well as difficulties aligning properties with demand. Many investors, drawn by unrealistic projections, now face financial stress and challenges in filling these properties. However, repurposing vacant SDA homes offers an opportunity to address urgent housing needs, provide short-term solutions for financial recovery, and generate long-term sustainable returns. For many investors, this aligns with their original goal of achieving meaningful social impact—transforming lives through critical housing solutions.
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The session will highlight how aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can unlock investment opportunities while creating measurable social benefits.
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Financial institutions will learn how to support these initiatives through social bonds and innovative funding models. Builders and developers will explore strategies to meet the demand for high-quality housing while maintaining ESG-aligned practices that ensure project sustainability. Investors will gain insights into strengthening their portfolios by embracing socially impactful housing solutions, fostering community well-being, and achieving reliable financial returns.
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​Attendees will gain actionable strategies for fostering collaboration across sectors, creating sustainable housing models that address the needs of vulnerable populations, reduce social isolation, and build stronger, more resilient communities—all while achieving socially responsible and profitable outcomes.
11.30am - 11.50am
Valuation of SDA Homes in the absence of NDIS Participants
Valuations often consider the future income potential of SDA homes rather than solely focusing on current occupancy.
Given the rising demand for disability housing and government commitments to improving access, periods of vacancy are typically viewed as temporary, especially in areas with strong long-term demand.
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This presentation will discuss reduced valuation during vacancy and mitigating vacancy impact
11.55am - 12. 30pm
Lunch
12.30pm - 1.10pm
Panel Session
Designing SDA Homes for Crisis and Long-Term Accommodation: Balancing Flexibility and Stability
This panel session will explore how to design Specialist Disability Accommodation that meets both short-term crisis housing needs and long-term disability housing requirements, with a particular focus on the collaborative role of SIL providers, occupational therapists, architects, and assessors in the design and assessment process. Panellists will discuss best practices for creating adaptable SDA environments that prioritize safety, dignity, and care for individuals, particularly those in short-term accommodations transitioning from healthcare or crisis settings.
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The discussion will delve into how to balance urgent crisis housing needs with the stability required for long-term SDA placements, ensuring that the design is flexible and can support both types of tenants effectively.
Panellists will explore strategies for ensuring smooth transitions from Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) to permanent SDA housing, minimizing disruption for tenants while maintaining continuity of care.
Key challenges around regulatory alignment, funding mechanisms, and how policies can support flexible yet sustainable SDA solutions will be addressed.
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Furthermore, the session will emphasize the crucial role of SIL providers and occupational therapists in tailoring the design to meet individual needs and ensure that the space is functional for tenants with complex health and disability requirements.
The importance of early involvement from architects and assessors in the design phase to ensure accessibility and suitability for both short- and long-term use will also be discussed.
Attendees will gain valuable insights on how these professionals can collaborate effectively to create housing that meets the diverse and evolving needs of tenants, ensuring seamless integration and positive long-term outcomes.
1.10pm - 1.40pm
Building Strong Networks for Accessible SDA: Enhancing Collaboration with Health and Community Services
The effective delivery of SDA relies on seamless collaboration between key stakeholders, including hospitals, social workers, allied health professionals, and community organizations.
This session will explore the critical role of building strong networks with these groups to streamline access to SDA for eligible tenants, ensuring they receive the appropriate care and housing solutions.
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The discussion will focus on how collaboration with domestic violence shelters, mental health organizations, and community housing providers can help identify eligible tenants and create tailored SDA environments that meet the specific needs of crisis tenants.
Emphasizing dignity, safety, and support, the session will highlight best practices for ensuring that SDA properties provide the necessary care for individuals facing unique challenges, such as those emerging from domestic violence or mental health crises.
Additionally, we will explore the alignment of policies and funding mechanisms that support these initiatives, providing attendees with a clear understanding of how to effectively engage with stakeholders and navigate the policy landscape to ensure the success of these collaborative efforts.​
1.45pm - 2.15pm
Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System - final report
The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System final report includes recommendations for improving mental health services across the state, addressing issues like access, care coordination, and workforce development.
This presentation will discuss how housing is a critical aspect of the report, particularly in the context of providing secure, stable accommodation for individuals with mental health challenges and how it highlights the need for more integrated, supported housing models to better meet the needs of people living with mental illness, ensuring they have access to both stable housing and appropriate mental health services.
2.15pm - 2.45pm
Mental Health Accommodation, Domestic Violence Crisis Housing, and Hospital Discharge:
Data-Driven Solutions for 2025
This session will explore the critical intersection of mental health accommodation, domestic violence crisis housing, and hospital discharge pathways, with a focus on addressing the complex housing needs of individuals transitioning from healthcare settings in 2025.
It will examine how data-driven solutions can play a key role in tackling these challenges, particularly for individuals facing mental health issues and those affected by domestic violence.
Presentation highlights will include insights from the Homelessness and Domestic and Family Violence State of Response Report 2024, which underscores the need for clear housing pathways for individuals in crisis.
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The session will delve into how data can be leveraged to identify and address housing shortages, streamline hospital discharge processes, and ensure timely access to safe, suitable accommodation.
Attendees will gain practical knowledge on using data and innovative housing models to enhance crisis management and support long-term stability for vulnerable populations.
2.45pm - 3.00pm
Q & A
3.00pm - 3.15pm
Break
3.15pm - 3.45pm
Smart and Sustainable Housing: Achieving 7-Star Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effective Construction for Social and SDA Homes in Victoria
This presentation will focus on the integration of smart housing solutions to meet Victoria’s 7-star energy efficiency goals in social housing and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes. It will explore how innovative design, technology, and building practices can achieve both high energy performance and cost-effectiveness. Key topics will include energy-efficient materials, smart home systems for energy management, and sustainable construction methods that reduce operational costs while improving tenant comfort and environmental sustainability.
The session will also address strategies for achieving affordability in the construction of social and SDA homes, ensuring that energy-efficient solutions are accessible and viable for the community.
3.45pm - 4.30pm
Smart Assistive Technology: Enhancing Safety and Support in Crisis and Transitional Accommodations
This presentation will explore how smart assistive technology is revolutionizing homes by enhancing safety, efficiency, and the quality of life for residents, while also reducing risks to property. It will focus on the role of innovations such as automated monitoring systems, environmental controls, and emergency alert technologies in creating smarter, safer living environments.
The session will highlight:
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Resident Safety: Technology that helps prevent accidents, manages health emergencies, and ensures secure living spaces.
Fire Safety in Government-Funded Housing: Leveraging Smart Technologies for Protection and Response
Property Preservation: Systems that detect hazards like leaks, fires, or power outages to protect and maintain homes.
Fall Detection and Evacuation Assistance Devices: For residents with mobility issues, smart fall detection systems or automatic door unlocking systems can be integrated into fire safety protocols to assist in safe evacuation during an emergency.
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4.15pm - 4.45pm
Networking and Close
6.30pm - 10.30pm
Dinner (sit down 3 course dinner )
Book day 2
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Day 2 of the conference focuses on innovative housing solutions for individuals with complex health needs, town planning, STA, MTA and Smart housing solutions focused on affordability, safety and independence.
The day will begin with discussions on leveraging data to optimize early hospital discharges, using vacant SDA homes and other accommodation types to meet urgent housing needs.
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It will then explore the role of town planning in integrating hospitals, social housing, and SDA facilities, ensuring better connectivity and access to services and much more
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