The SILosophy’s Podcast

SILosophy Episode 25: The SIL Reform from an SDA Perspective
This episode explores the intersection between Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers and the evolving Supported Independent Living (SIL) landscape under Australia's NDIS. Host Tania Gomez is joined by guest Angad Singh (a leader in the SDA and disability housing sector) to discuss how structural reforms are reshaping housing and support delivery for participants.
SDA vs. SIL Separation: Why regulatory shifts are enforcing a clearer boundary between physical housing (SDA) and day-to-day supports (SIL), and what that means for operational strategy.
The Developer & Provider Lens: How SDA providers and investors are adjusting their building design and service models to remain aligned with changing SIL funding guidelines.
Participant Choice and Control: Ensuring that the decoupling of housing and support gives participants true independence without creating operational friction or communication breakdowns.
Future-Proofing Disability Housing: Practical steps for providers to stay compliant, navigate NDIS pricing changes, and build sustainable models that prioritize long-term participant outcomes.
Whether you operate in the SDA development space or manage SIL operations, this conversation offers critical insights into navigating structural reform while building high-quality, person-centered environments.

In SILosophy Episode 24, host Tania Gomez brings on Paul Bryan to unpack what it takes to guide teams through industry regulation, operational changes, and workplace shifts... specifically focusing on how leaders in the NDIS and SIL space can communicate transparently, manage burnout, and maintain quality care during periods of high transition.

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Ollie Vles, founder and CEO of Strength in Care, to discuss the complexities of managing challenging behaviours in SIL homes. Ollie shares his unique approach to participant support, staffing strategies, property management, and the importance of creating the right environment for success.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Ollie Vles from Strength in Care
02:20 – Common challenges in managing complex behaviours in SIL homes
05:10 – Why the physical environment is a critical factor in reducing incidents
07:45 – Proactive measures to minimise behaviours (reducing anxiety, structuring environments)
10:20 – The importance of long-term, well-supported staff in behaviour management
13:00 – Recruiting & retaining staff for high-needs participants
16:30 – Best practices for communication between staff & participants
19:50 – Managing property damage & dealing with housing limitations
22:15 – Tips for handling reportable incidents & restrictive practices
24:00 – Final thoughts on supporting participants with complex needs
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting
 
Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/
 
#silosophy, #taniagomezconsulting, #complexparticipants, #ndis, #supportwork, #disabilitysupport, #ndissupport, #inclusivepractice, #ndisprovider, #silproviders, #supportcoordination, #disabilitycare, #ndiscommunity, #participantcare

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez speaks with Bruce Bromley, a leading expert in SDA design and fire safety, to explore the critical importance of fire safety in SIL homes. They discuss common risks, essential fire safety measures, and how SIL providers can proactively improve emergency planning to protect participants and reduce liability.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Bruce Bromley from SDA Consulting
02:05 – The biggest fire safety risks in SIL homes
04:30 – Why most SIL homes don’t meet fire safety regulations
07:15 – The importance of fire sprinklers & why they should be standard
09:40 – Fire safety investments: Costs vs. long-term liability
12:20 – How to create an effective emergency plan for a SIL home
14:45 – What to include in a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
17:00 – Why building relationships with local fire departments is a game-changer
18:50 – The role of fire blankets, smoke alarms & evacuation kits in SIL homes
20:00 – Final thoughts on reducing risk & improving fire safety
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting
 
Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/
 
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In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Storm Menzies, an expert in NDIS funding and SIL participant support, to discuss how SIL providers can proactively ensure participants receive the right funding for their needs. Storm shares insider tips, advocacy strategies, and practical steps for navigating the funding review process.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Storm Menzies
02:10 – Storm’s background in SIL, support coordination, and allied health
05:20 – The #1 mistake SIL providers make in securing participant funding
07:30 – Why evidence is everything – What NDIS needs to approve funding
10:15 – The importance of proactive documentation & early planning for reviews
13:00 – How to advocate for funding increases – strategies that work
16:45 – Going beyond emails – Why in-person advocacy & local MPs can make a difference
19:20 – How to prepare for NDIS plan reviews & what’s changed in 2024
21:10 – Final tips: Organisation & collaboration are key to funding success
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting
 
Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/
 
#silhosophy #episode21 #taniagomez #taniagomezconsulting #ndisfunding #ndissupport #ndisprovider #participantfunding #ndishelp #fundingforparticipants #ndisepisode #ndisadvice #ndisconsulting #ndissupportcoordination #ndisfundinghelp

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez welcomes Josh Byron, Co-Founder of Spendable, to discuss the complexities of managing client funds in SIL homes. With his background as a SIL provider, Josh shares key insights on financial transparency, risk management, and the role of assistive technology in empowering participants.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Josh Byron from Spendable
02:30 – Josh’s journey from running a SIL service provider to founding Spendable
04:50 – Why managing client funds in SIL is an unspoken burden on providers
08:20 – Major financial risks for SIL providers & the impact of missing funds
12:10 – The dangers of using cash & manual record-keeping – high risk of errors & compliance issues
15:45 – How lack of transparency can lead to financial mismanagement & potential fraud
18:30 – Why business expense tools don’t work for client funds & create accounting complications
21:15 – How Spendable helps providers and participants by offering secure, transparent money management
24:30 – How financial independence improves participant choice & control
28:00 – The future of SIL financial management – technology, automation, and capacity-building
30:20 – Final thoughts: Why every SIL provider needs a secure, compliant money management system
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting
 
Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/
 
#silosophy, #episode20, #spendable, #taniagomezconsulting, #managingmoney, #propertymanagement, #supportedindependentliving, #silfunding, #ndisprovider, #ndissupport, #ndisproperty, #ndisfinance, #silhousing, #moneytips, #disabilitysupport

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Stephen Fakeney, CEO of Hilltop Caring, to explore what it really takes to be a successful SIL provider. With over 25 years in disability accommodation and experience in both the construction and service delivery sides of SIL, Stephen shares valuable lessons for new and existing providers, covering financial sustainability, innovation, collaboration, and the future of SIL in 2025.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Stephen Fakeney from Hilltop Caring
02:15 – Stephen’s 25-year journey in disability accommodation & SIL
04:30 – How SIL has evolved under the NDIS – More choice, competition & innovation
08:20 – Tight funding margins in SIL & how to balance financial sustainability
10:45 – Vacancies are the biggest financial risk – How to manage them effectively
13:30 – Challenges of bureaucracy & NDIS admin workload
16:50 – Why small & medium-sized SIL providers drive innovation in the sector
19:10 – Advice for new SIL providers – Consider collaborating instead of going solo
21:00 – The importance of empowering staff to make decisions & reducing micromanagement
23:10 – Preparing for unannounced audits & the importance of compliance checklists
24:30 – The future of SIL in 2025 – Potential changes & how to adapt
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting
 
Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/
 
#silosophy, #supportedindependentliving, #silproviders, #ndis, #ndisaustralia, #hilltopcaring, #taniagomezconsulting, #siljourney, #disabilitysupport, #ndissupport, #groupaccommodation, #specialistdisabilityaccommodation, #disabilityservices, #silproviderstories, #ndisprovider

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper to unpack the layers of regulation impacting SIL providers across different Australian states. They explore how federal, state, and even local council regulations overlap—and sometimes contradict each other—making compliance a challenge for providers.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper
02:10 – Why SIL providers must comply with multiple layers of regulation
04:45 – State-based disability laws & how they differ across Australia
07:30 – Council-level regulations – Why they vary & how to check local requirements
10:15 – Restrictive practices & worker screening laws – How state rules interact with NDIS requirements
14:20 – How state and federal laws overlap & where the NDIS Act takes precedence
18:50 – What happens if a provider unknowingly breaks a local council rule?
22:00 – The risk of fines and penalties at different levels of government
25:40 – How to push back against auditors when there’s a legal contradiction
30:15 – NDIS Price Guide vs. Legislation – How much legal weight does the price guide carry?
34:10 – Why NDIS rule changes happen overnight & how to stay ahead
37:00 – Final tips on compliance & how to stay updated on regulatory changes
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting
 
Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/
 
#silosophy, #episode18, #silproviders, #taniagomezconsulting, #supportindependentliving, #ndis, #ndissupport, #ndisprovider, #ndisrules, #ndisconsulting, #ndisregistration, #statebasedrules, #silprovidersupport, #ndisaustralia, #silfunding

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Josh Pix from Resolv to break down SIL profitability—why many SIL providers aren’t making money despite large plan values and what they can do to fix it.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Josh Pix from Resolv
02:20 – Why SIL profitability is much lower than people expect
04:10 – The 3 biggest drivers of SIL profitability
06:00 – Rostering & claiming mistakes – The #1 profit killer in SIL
09:20 – Rent, utilities, groceries & activities – How to manage the subsidy gap
12:00 – Why understanding your vacancy rate is critical
15:30 – The $11,000 per week rule – How much funding is needed to sustain a SIL house
18:40 – What financial reports should every SIL provider have?
22:00 – Why profitability isn’t a bad word – How it leads to better outcomes for participants
23:40 – How Resolv helps SIL providers improve financial performance & sustainability
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting
 
Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/
 
#silosophy, #silprofitability, #taniagomez, #resolv, #consulting, #episode17, #businessconsulting, #profitability, #silosystem, #silomanagement, #businessgrowth, #resolvconsulting, #financialconsulting, #businessstrategy, #businessinsights

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Susan and Lianne from Sunflower Hub to discuss their journey as Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers. They share their passion for participant-centered care, the challenges of balancing business and quality support, and their vision for a community-driven SIL model. From overcoming financial hurdles to creating truly participant-led homes, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring and current SIL providers.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Meet Susan & Lianne from Sunflower Hub
02:30 – The journey to becoming a SIL provider: Identifying a gap in the market
05:10 – A heart-driven approach: Lived experience & participant-first mindset
08:40 – The challenges of balancing business sustainability with quality care
12:00 – Investing in staff training: Why skilled staff lead to better participant outcomes
16:30 – Overcoming hurdles: Navigating audits, financial struggles, and compliance
20:10 – The future of Sunflower Hub: Expanding SIL services & launching a community hub
 
Follow Tania Gomez Consulting for More Expert Insights:
Website: www.taniagomez.com.au
Facebook: @taniagomezconsulting
Instagram: @taniagomezconsulting
LinkedIn: Tania Gomez Consulting
 
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