Day 1 Agenda 

Registration and Arrival 

Welcome and Introductions 

This session will provide an in-depth exploration of critical challenges facing the SDA sector, with real case studies highlighting both successes and setbacks.

Key areas of focus will include tenant-driven design, integrating care with housing, and ensuring sustainable management of SDA homes.

The session will also examine the growing issue of lenders withdrawing from SDA investments, exploring the underlying reasons such as market volatility, compliance concerns, and financial risks. Strategies to rebuild trust and restore financial viability in the SDA sector will be discussed, including engaging with lenders and investors to secure long-term success.

Additionally, the issue of vacant robust SDA homes will be addressed, focusing on misalignment between supply and tenant demand and offering potential solutions for optimizing occupancy.

The session will conclude with practical advice on due diligence, ensuring SDA projects comply with regulations, meet tenant needs, and adopt sustainable, ethical practices.

Best practices for fostering ethical investment and development will also be highlighted, emphasizing long-term outcomes and the importance of regulatory oversight and advocacy to strengthen sector integrity.

The Specialist Disability Accommodation 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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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   

Break 

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.

This presentation will focus on the design of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that addresses both short-term crisis housing needs and long-term disability housing requirements. It will delve into how SDA can be adaptable, flexible, and functional to support individuals transitioning from healthcare or crisis settings to permanent housing. The session will specifically highlight the collaborative roles of Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, occupational therapists, architects, and assessors in the design and assessment process to ensure safety, dignity, and care.

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The presentation will explore strategies for balancing urgent crisis housing needs with the stability required for long-term SDA placements, emphasizing design elements that can support both types of tenants effectively. The session will cover best practices in creating adaptable environments that prioritize the well-being of individuals, especially those transitioning from Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA).

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Key challenges will also be addressed, including regulatory alignment, funding mechanisms, and policy support for creating flexible yet sustainable SDA solutions. The presentation will emphasize the importance of early collaboration among architects, assessors, SIL providers, and occupational therapists in the design phase to ensure the space meets the diverse needs of tenants with complex health and disability requirements.

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Attendees will gain practical insights into the critical elements of SDA design that foster seamless transitions and improve long-term outcomes for tenants. By the end of the session, attendees will have a deeper understanding of how to create SDA that not only meets immediate crisis needs but also supports long-term, stable living for individuals with complex needs.

Lunch 

This session will explore the critical intersection of mental health accommodation, 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.

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Additionally, the session will explore how SDA homes can be integrated into temporary crisis housing solutions, including Supported Temporary Accommodation (STA) and Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA) within the SDA framework. It will also provide insights on navigating NDIS funding streams to support these housing solutions, ultimately fostering a more seamless transition for individuals in crisis.

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The intersection of child protection and housing stability is a critical concern in Australia. This presentation explores how vacant Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes can be strategically repurposed to address urgent housing needs for children in protective care, including those with disabilities or experiencing crisis situations.

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Key themes include:

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• Understanding the need: Insights into the challenges faced by children in the child protection system, including the lack of stable, safe housing options.

• SDA Utilisation Potential: Exploring opportunities for vacant SDA homes to provide short-term, medium-term, or crisis accommodation for at-risk children and youth.

• Policy and Practice Alignment: Addressing regulatory frameworks and potential collaboration between child protection services, SDA providers, and community housing organizations.

• Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Proposing a sustainable model to repurpose and optimise vacant SDA properties for child protection, enhancing housing security while reducing system strain.

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This presentation aims to spark conversations on innovative housing solutions for vulnerable children and foster partnerships among policymakers, housing providers, and social services to address this critical issue.

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Break 

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) can significantly enhance community mental health services by supporting Step Up/Step Down programs. These services offer short-term, intensive support to prevent hospital admissions (Step Up) or assist with recovery after discharge (Step Down). By integrating SDA into these programs, individuals can experience a safe, recovery-focused environment that reduces hospital dependency, promotes stability, and bridges gaps between healthcare, housing, and community support. This session will focus on the role of SDA in Step Up/Step Down services, demonstrating how it can create compassionate, practical solutions for those facing mental health challenges, while strengthening community well-being.

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Key Discussion Points:

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• The Role of SDA in Step Up/Step Down Services

• Benefits of SDA in Mental Health Services

• Tailored Supports and Care Integration

• Transitioning from acute care to recovery-focused housing

• The impact of SDA on reducing hospital admissions and improving recovery outcomes

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With rising demand for appropriate housing solutions for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, underutilised Specialist Disability Accommodation properties present an opportunity to address critical gaps in mental health accommodation.

This session will explore how these empty SDA homes can be repurposed or flexibly used to provide supportive environments for people in need of mental health recovery spaces.

Focusing on how SDA properties, with their accessibility features, can cater to the needs of individuals recovering from acute mental health episodes or living with psychosocial disabilities, this session will discuss strategies for effectively leveraging NDIS funding streams and mental health initiatives to ensure cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Additionally, it will address policy and funding alignment, collaboration among SDA providers, mental health organizations, and SIL providers to create integrated support systems, and strategies for embedding mental health tenants within broader SDA communities.

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Key Discussion Points:

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• How SDA properties can meet the needs of individuals with psychosocial disabilities or recovering from mental health challenges

• Design synergies: Creating adaptable environments for long-term recovery

• Leveraging NDIS funding and mental health initiatives to support SDA use

• Policy and funding alignment between SDA, mental health, and SIL providers

• Embedding mental health tenants in broader SDA communities for safety and harmony

• Economic and social impacts of using vacant SDA homes for mental health accommodation

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​This session will explore how vacant Specialist Disability Accommodation  homes can be repurposed to provide safe, stable housing for individuals experiencing domestic violence and urgent housing crises.

With the growing demand for secure housing solutions, the session will highlight how these vacant properties can serve as critical resources for those in need of immediate accommodation and support.

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The discussion will also address NDIS regulatory requirements, focusing on how SDA providers can maintain compliance while transforming these homes into viable options for vulnerable populations.

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Key discussion points include:

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• Repurposing vacant SDA homes to meet the needs of individuals experiencing domestic violence or housing crises

• Addressing NDIS regulations and ensuring compliance in crisis accommodation settings

• Developing integrated housing models that combine short-term crisis accommodation with pathways to long-term stability

• Highlighting the social and economic benefits of repurposing SDA homes to address urgent housing needs and reduce pressure on emergency housing systems

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This session will provide practical insights and strategies for repurposing vacant SDA properties into critical crisis accommodation, offering participants actionable steps to collaborate with stakeholders and utilize SDA homes to support individuals on their path to long-term stability and independence.

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Q & A and Close 

Networking and close