Life at a New Horizons SIL home: hobbies, friendship, and support

In the convenient Sydney suburb of Ryde, three men share a home that’s full of personality, warmth, and routine. This isn’t just any home; it’s a New Horizons Supported Independent Living (SIL) residence, designed to give people the freedom to live independently while receiving the support they need.  

Each resident has his own passions that make life vibrant. B, in his early seventies, is a lifelong train enthusiast. He has hundreds of model trains, knows all their serial numbers and which line and year the train ran. His room is filled with magazines, layouts, and miniature models. He loves visiting train museums, going on the 200-year-old steam train, and attending train shows, and his collection is something he treasures; no one else is allowed to touch it!  

Another resident, C, who once worked as a farmer, has found joy in keeping chickens. This hobby started as a way to reconnect with his past and has become a productive routine. He cares for the chickens daily, cleans the coop, and even sells the eggs. It’s a sustainable activity that brings him happiness and purpose. C is also a great cook, making a full hot breakfast every Sunday for all residents. He makes cakes for residents’ birthdays and has recently mastered the art of making a pavlova!  


The third resident, D, works at the New Horizons Australian Disability Enterprise factory, and enjoys spending time at the gym. D is also the number one helper for house chores, such as sorting out the recycling and taking out the bins for the house, as well as the neighbours!

Despite their separate hobbies, the men get along well. Weekends often mean outings together – enjoying long drives, visiting different places, and sharing lunch.  

Some recent highlights have included go-karting, monster trucks, and bowling. The three men also often go out with residents from other New Horizons Supported Independent Living homes, and strong collaboration between support staff ensures there are plenty of opportunities for all residents to expand their social networks and make friends.  

The residents have a range of hobbies they enjoy.

Grace, New Horizons support worker in the home

A team of workers support the smooth running of this home, including Grace, a full-time support worker and customer experience coordinator at New Horizons. For three years, Grace has helped this home with cooking, cleaning, and organising outings. Her dedication ensures the house runs smoothly and that each resident feels supported in pursuing what they love.  

“They love just sitting in the car, listening to music, joking with each other,” says Grace. “Last weekend we went to a chicken farm, bought feed, and had lunch together.”  

And there’s history here too. “Two of the residents have lived together for over 30 years,” shares Grace. “They really know each other well; they’re like family.”  

That long-standing bond is part of what makes this house feel like a home, and Grace and the team play a big role in keeping it that way.  

“I love working with older clients,” she says. “Seeing them happy because of something simple like trains or chickens, that’s the best part of my job.”  

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