Mary Macauley House was home to Jenni, Katie, Mark, Sheryl, and Trevor for more than 150 years combined.
When you entered this Tudor-style house located in Hampton, Melbourne, you were greeted with lovely green gardens, leadlight windows, and walls adorned with artworks created by the residents to turn this house into a home.
Mary Macauley House was a long-standing Scope Supported Independent Living (SIL) home. It was opened in 1977 by The Spastic Society of Victoria, now known as Scope, who were trailblazers in providing accommodation services for people with disability in the community.
For the past 15 years, Mary Macauley House was led by Yvonne, House Coordinator, alongside her dedicated team of support workers. Together, they helped make Mary Macauley House a special place for Jenni, Katie, Mark, Sheryl, and Trevor, who consider themselves a family.
“We understand each other's ways of feeling and thinking," said Sheryl.
"I see them as brothers and sisters. Without them, I don’t feel that I've got a family...and I’m not just talking about the residents, I’m talking about the staff too.”
In February this year, the time had come for the residents to move into a new purpose-built Specialist Disability Accommodation home in Frankston. The residents transitioned into two contemporary and fully accessible homes located on the same block where they continue to be supported by Yvonne and her team with Scope SIL.
Lisa Evans, Chief Operating Officer, said the move is part of Scope’s work to improve the quality of our homes so they are accessible and enjoyable.
"A home is more than just a place to live – it's a foundation for a good life. That's why we're committed to ensuring every person we support has a home that suits their needs, reflects their preferences, and most importantly, supports their independence," said Lisa.
“This particular home is a wonderful example of how friendship is what turns our houses into places that people truly want to live.”
In this short film, we followed the residents' journey from Mary Macauley House to their new home and captured a wonderful story of history, friendship, and new beginnings.
Watch the trailer on YouTube with the full version to be released in late 2025.
No move is complete without a housewarming.
In late June, Jenni, Katie, Mark, Sheryl and Trevor, and Yvonne and team, opened their doors to family and friends, Scope representatives, and special guests to enjoy afternoon tea and celebrate their new home.
Uncle Shane Clarke, Elder and member of the Bunurong Land Council, started the afternoon with a Welcome to Country, and Uncle Mark Brown, Elder and Senior Cultural Heritage Officer at Bunurong Land Council, gave a digeridoo performance.
Special guests Paul Edbrooke MP, State Member for Frankston, and Karen McCallum, Electorate Officer, also joined the celebrations.
When it comes to love, they say there are plenty of fish in the sea. And SIL resident Daniel is set on a quest to reel in the right girl. With his support team at Rockford and Site Manager Ben Scambary, Daniel has been building his skills and confidence to get into the dating game. Here, Daniel and Ben talk to life in Rockford, their friendship, and Daniel’s quest for love.
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Supported Independent Living (SIL) houses make it possible for housemates to have and care for their own pets.
