Across Gippsland, a quiet but important shift is happening in residential construction. Builders, trades and suppliers are working together to deliver homes designed specifically for people living with disabilities. These projects, built under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and often classified as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), are creating new opportunities for participants to live independently while remaining connected to their communities.
For the team at G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul, involvement in NDIS projects began several years ago after being approached to help deliver specialised housing in the region.
“Five years ago we were approached by Tilda Living who were looking to build high quality, safe and durable SDA homes in Gippsland,” said Travis Pennicard, General Manager at G.J. Gardner Warragul.
“It started with a site in Morwell that then went through multiple iterations to be designed and constructed in a way that could support their duty and budgets.”
What started as a single project has grown into something much bigger for the team.
“It has become a real passion project,” Travis said – a sentiment that comes through in every build the team takes on.
A partnership built on shared purpose
The relationship between G.J. Gardner Warragul and Tilda Living has been central to the success of these projects. For Tilda Living, finding a builder willing to genuinely invest in understanding Specialist Disability Accommodation made all the difference.
“Their willingness to learn everything there is to know about SDA and get on board with what we’re trying to do,” said Peter Gill, Tilda Living.
That willingness to learn extends across the entire project team – from design through to trades and suppliers – and it’s what allows complex builds to come together smoothly.
What makes an NDIS home different?
Many NDIS homes fall under Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and must meet specific design standards. The projects delivered by G.J. Gardner Warragul are typically built to a High Physical Support level, which means they are designed for participants with significant mobility or physical support needs.
These homes are carefully designed to ensure accessibility today while allowing flexibility for the future.
“For the homes that we build, we build them to a standard called high physical support,” Travis explained. “We also build these homes to be future-proof so participants can move in and make adjustments to suit their needs without extensive costs for renovations or alterations.”
That future-proof design often includes features not found in standard residential builds, such as:
- Structural trusses designed to support ceiling hoists
- Powered blinds and automated controls
- Accessible bathrooms, kitchens and joinery designed for wheelchair use
- Reinforced storage and specialised fixtures
- Layouts designed to accommodate carers and assistive technologies
All structural elements in SDA builds, including hoist-rated trusses and reinforced framing, must be designed and certified by a licensed structural engineer to meet the SDA Design Standard and relevant Australian Standards. While the end result still feels like a home, the level of thought and engineering behind the build is significantly higher.
Working together to deliver specialised builds
NDIS housing projects rely heavily on collaboration between builders, local trades and suppliers.
Travis says the strength of Gippsland’s construction industry has been critical to delivering these projects successfully.
“We’re really fortunate in the trade base that we have and partnering with great suppliers like Dahlsens,” he said.
“Having local trades and highly skilled and qualified people and support networks around us has helped us deliver these projects.”
Local supply chains have also played a role in ensuring quality outcomes while keeping projects viable.
Dahlsens has supported several SDA builds across Gippsland by supplying key structural and fit-out components for High Physical Support Homes.
Supplying NDIS and SDA builds across Gippsland
The G.J. Gardner Warragul team is supported locally by the Dahlsens Warragul branch, a relationship built over many years of working together on residential projects across the region.
Dahlsens has supported several SDA builds across Gippsland by supplying key structural and fit-out components for High Physical Support homes. The technical demands of these projects — particularly around engineered timber, reinforced framing and accessible joinery — mean builders benefit from working with a supply partner that understands what SDA construction requires.
Dahlsens supports NDIS and SDA builders with engineered Truss and Frame manufactured locally and designed to carry the loads specific to each project, including roof trusses engineered to support ceiling hoist systems where required. Plasterboard systems, James Hardie external cladding, door hardware suited to accessible design, and kitchens and bathroom cabinetry through Claytons Joinery designed for wheelchair use round out the package.
Truss and frame designs for SDA projects are produced in consultation with the project engineer to ensure all structural elements meet the certified design and applicable Australian Standards.
Addressing a real housing need
The motivation behind NDIS housing goes well beyond construction. Across Victoria, and particularly in regional areas like Gippsland, there is a significant shortage of suitable housing for people living with disability.
Many participants have historically been forced to move away from their hometowns simply to access appropriate accommodation.
“The reality is there are so many homes that participants are currently living in that are not fit for purpose,” Travis said.
“Ultimately the motivation every time is the impact to the participants and the families of those participants.”
The ability to build specialist housing locally is helping change that.
“Back when we first started this journey, homes were being built in other parts of Victoria and participants from Gippsland had to move away,” he said.
“Now that we’re building facilities here in Gippsland, participants from Gippsland are able to come back to Gippsland.”
For families, that can mean remaining close to support networks, community services and familiar surroundings.
Advice for builders considering NDIS projects
As demand for Specialist Disability Accommodation continues to grow, more builders are considering entering the sector. But Travis says it’s important to understand that these projects require a different mindset.
“Don’t get into it thinking that it’s just another build,” he said.
“If you’re not willing to be part of the journey and understand what the participants and their teams will be part of, you really need to consider whether it’s the right space.”
He adds that surrounding yourself with the right team – including trades and suppliers who understand the technical and compliance demands of SDA construction – is one of the most important early decisions a builder can make.
He adds that while businesses must remain sustainable, the focus must remain on the people who will ultimately live in the homes.
“This is definitely a part of our business where we put people before profit,” Travis said.
“We’re about the customer and client experience before we are about banking dollars.”
Building homes that truly support independence
For builders across Gippsland, NDIS housing represents an opportunity to deliver something meaningful for their local communities.
With strong partnerships between builders, trades and suppliers, these homes are helping create safe, accessible spaces where participants can live independently and stay connected to the places they call home.
And for Travis and his team, that impact is what keeps them motivated.
“Knowing that we’re part of something pretty big and providing homes designed for the future – that’s what drives us every time.”
A sincere thank you to Travis Pennicard and the team at G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul, and to Peter Gill and Tilda Living, for sharing their story and for the work they continue to do delivering Specialist Disability Accommodation across Gippsland.
