Brighton North Launch

On Monday 17 November, a new era in Minda’s history was marked with the launch of Brighton North by the Honourable Tony Piccolo, Minister for Disabilities.

Forming part of the first stage of Minda’s Master Plan, Brighton North is the establishment of an innovative model of service for Minda Housing, based on contemporary and individualised support.

“For the people we support, Brighton North offers a new start, a place where individual wants and needs are at the forefront, a place to call home,” says Minda CEO Cathy Miller.

“This leading-edge accommodation allows Minda to deliver individualised support, tailored to each person’s wants, needs and aspirations, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

Brighton North offers three and four bedroom homes and independent apartment units, which include one and two bedrooms; based on Bonython Way, the 10 houses and 17 apartments are home to 61 people Minda support.

“This is part of the first stage of Minda’s Master Plan, which involves the creation of a mixed-use precinct; it’s the biggest project in Minda’s 116 year history and the development is the largest of its type anywhere in Australia,” says Cathy.

“The Master Plan gives the people we support the opportunity to live in a truly integrated community setting as independently as possible, without compromising on support.”

Assistive technology plays an important part in Minda delivering support that is truly person-centred and Jackson Care Technology (JCT) has delivered a system that will allow the people Minda support to enjoy a greater level of privacy in their new homes and also independence than ever before.

“The apartment building and houses are fitted with state-of-the-art technology which will enhance the quality of support provided by Minda and will equip us with the means to improve support plans and better understand the needs and behaviour of the people we support,” says Cathy.

Throughout the planning, design and construction stages Universal Design principles have been applied to all buildings and landscaping, which means that every building is accessible and compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our head contractor South Australian construction firm BADGE and Minda’s project management team who, together, have helped to fulfil our goal to replace institutional and out-dated accommodation with a solution that puts person-centred thinking at the very heart of the design,” says Cathy.

“This is the first step in creating a vibrant community that everyone can enjoy, and longer-term plans will eventually include purpose-built facilities for lifestyle activities such as pottery, arts, crafts and music, practitioner suites and child care options, as well as retail opportunities.”