The SILosophy’s Podcast

Navigating NDIS Reform, I-CAN Assessments, and SIL Commissioning with Shane Stewart As the NDIS undergoes significant legislative reform, Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers face a rapidly evolving landscape. From the upcoming rollout of standardized I-CAN assessments to the potential introduction of block-funding commissioning models, frontline operators must adapt their business strateg...

Systems Literacy, Operational Efficiency, and Financial Visibility with Valentina Coin When an NDIS business faces operational friction, cash flow bottlenecks, or staff duplication, the default reaction is often to blame the software or the people. However, technology is simply the visible layer that reveals underlying flaws in an organisation's operational system. In this episode of SILosophy, ho...

Quality Governance, Risk Control, and the Swiss Cheese Model with Amber Crosthwaite What does governance actually mean for small and medium-sized Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers? For many frontline leaders, governance sounds like a corporate buzzword meant only for large organisations with formal boards. However, when things go wrong in disability care, having robust operational overs...

Lived Experience, NDIS Reform, and the Frontline Worker Perspective with Ryan Simon As major legislative changes roll out across the disability sector, how are participants and frontline support workers navigating the shift? With funding adjustments, plan reassessments, and media coverage surrounding NDIS reform, understanding the human impact on the ground is more critical than ever for providers...

Respite Reform and Unbundling NDIS Pricing with Luke Wilson Recent updates to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements have brought major structural changes to Short Term Accommodation (STA) and respite, including an average funding reduction of $500 to $600 per participant per day and the strict unbundling of accommodation from support hours. What do these changes mean for high-quality, community-based resp...

Leading the Frontline: Training, Competencies, and NDIS Quality Standards with Dave Wells As the NDIS rolls out updated Quality and Safeguards standards, Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers are facing stricter requirements around worker training, competency testing, active support, and tailored supervision. How do frontline leaders manage this extra administrative workload while securing...

De-Risking Disability Housing: SIL Demand, SDA Mismatches, and Data Insights with Hong Knowling When investing in or scaling disability housing, how do providers and developers ensure they are building or leasing in areas of genuine demand—rather than falling into oversupplied traps? In this eye-opening episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Hong Knowling, founder and director of PPC...

Moving Into NDIS 2.0: The Future of Disability Housing with Joseph Conellen As the NDIS undergoes massive structural shifts, the disability housing landscape is entering a brand-new era. What does the transition from the "golden age" of open-ended funding to strict budgetary controls mean for providers, participants, and community-based housing models? In this insightful episode of SILosophy, host...

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 housin...

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 SILoso...

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 SIL...

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 SILosoph...

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...

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, colla...

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 gues...

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 pro...

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...

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by an experienced SIL professional Storm Menzies to explore one of the most common challenges in Supported Independent Living (SIL): What happens when participants don’t get along?   With most SIL homes operating on a one support worker to three participants model, ensuring that housemates are well-matched and able to resolve conflicts effectivel...

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper to discuss the separation of SIL and SDA—one of the most debated topics in the NDIS space.   For years, the NDIA has advocated for the separation of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) to maintain participant choice and control. Jackson unpacks the legal complexities of t...

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Melissa from Avanti Accountants to break down the complexities of SIL financials. From understanding participant-to-staff ratios to managing overtime costs and tracking cash flow, this episode is packed with practical advice for SIL providers looking to improve financial sustainability.   Melissa shares key insights into the Disability Worker...

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Sarah Heriot from the Support Worker Store to discuss the importance of creating a true home for SIL participants—rather than just placing them in a house.   Sarah shares her insights on what makes a home feel safe and welcoming, the role of support workers in fostering independence, and how to ensure participants have real choice and contro...

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Anita Gover from TechAbility to explore how SIL providers can optimise their technology systems. From essential tech stacks to automation, AI-driven tools, and cybersecurity best practices, Anita shares expert insights on how providers can streamline operations, protect sensitive data, and leverage emerging technologies to enhance service de...

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Chris Lapa from The Growth Academy to discuss the essential strategies for filling SIL vacancies. They explore the intersection of marketing, branding, and sales—breaking down how SIL providers can effectively position their services, attract the right participants, and build trust with both users and choosers.   Chris shares insights into t...

In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Dr. Rodney Jilek from Community Home Australia to discuss their groundbreaking initiative—offering NDIS-funded short-term accommodation (STA) in Bali. Dr. Jilek shares the vision behind this unique respite option, the funding model, the benefits for participants, and how the program aligns with NDIS guidelines. They also delve into future pl...