Opening the doors at La Vera: why our first on-site
For the past few months, teams across New Horizons have been gearing up for a huge milestone: the launch of
Opening the doors at La Vera: why our first on-site shared support model at Macquarie Park matters
A lot of hard work happens behind the scenes before we ever hand over a set of keys.
Over the past few months, teams across New Horizons have been gearing up for a huge milestone: launching our first on-site shared support (OSS) model at the new La Vera development in Macquarie Park. Bringing on-site shared supports to Macquarie Park gives NDIS participants a fresh way to enjoy true independence in their own modern apartments, backed by the peace of mind of knowing support is only a click away.
Now that the building is officially open and residents are beginning to move in, we wanted to take a moment to look at what this model actually means for the people we support, and why it marks an exciting new chapter for us.
Independence, backed by peace of mind
When people think about disability housing, they often picture traditional Supported Independent Living homes. While those remain a great fit for many, modern living is also evolving. People with disability may want increased privacy, their own front door, and the freedom to design their day on their own terms.
That is exactly what delivering on-site shared supports Macquarie Park offers at La Vera.
Working alongside SDA provider MyLife Housing, we are supporting residents across 14 purpose-built High Physical Support apartments. Each person has their own private home, fitted out with integrated assistive technology.
What makes our role special here is balance. Residents don’t need someone alongside them all day to feel secure. Instead, our team is on site, ready to step in whenever unplanned needs arise, alongside scheduled support times. It gives people total control over their personal space, backed by the safety net of knowing an experienced New Horizons support worker is just moments away.
A community, not an island
La Vera is also a fantastic example of what inclusive urban design should look like.
Delivered by Urban Property Group and MyLife Housing, La Vera was officially launched by NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson. The building brings together SDA apartments, 34 affordable homes, and transitional housing for women.
It sits right in the centre of the suburb, which makes offering on-site shared supports at Macquarie Park such a strong fit. Residents are not tucked away on the outskirts of town. They are walking distance from transport, shops, uni, and jobs. Many incoming tenants already have jobs, study commitments, and social circles in the area. Living here means they get to stay rooted in the communities they already love, without compromising on accessibility.
Carrying 55 years of experience forward
While the OSS model is a fresh setup for New Horizons, the foundation underneath it is something we know inside and out. For more than 55 years, our teams have been walking alongside people in community housing, disability support, and mental health recovery.
That experience matters. It means our workers bring genuine relationship-building skills, deep respect for autonomy, and reliable care to every shift. Providing on-site shared supports at Macquarie Park allows us to channel that decades-long expertise into a housing setup designed for today’s goals and aspirations.
La Vera is our first OSS community, but it certainly won’t be our last. As we settle our new residents into their homes over the coming weeks, we will be taking everything we learn to help shape future sites across New South Wales.
To everyone involved in getting La Vera off the ground, thank you. You have helped create real, lasting change for the people moving in this week.
Want to know more about how our on-site shared support model works? Reach out to our team at any time at 1300 726 372.
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