Sunnyfield’s Junk To Funk Group Celebrated at Singleton Show

Sunnyfield is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of the Singleton Junk To Funk Group, who were awarded First Place in both the Handmade Crafts and Recycled Timber categories at this year’s Singleton Show.

The awards recognise a year of dedication, creativity and skill development, with participants transforming recycled materials into high-quality handcrafted pieces. Their work impressed judges with its originality, craftsmanship and strong focus on sustainability through recycled timber and materials.

Building Skills, Confidence and Creative Expression

Throughout the year, the Junk To Funk Group has worked consistently to refine their skills, explore new creative techniques and collaborate as a team. Each piece showcased at the show reflected not only artistic talent, but also growing confidence and pride in their achievements.

Programs like Junk To Funk provide meaningful opportunities for people with disability to develop practical skills, express creativity and connect with their local community in a supportive environment.

Supporting Inclusive Community Programs

This success highlights the impact of Sunnyfield Community Services, which support people with intellectual disability to live active, engaged and fulfilling lives. Through creative and skill-based programs, participants are encouraged to learn, grow and celebrate their achievements alongside others in the community.

Achievements like this demonstrate how inclusive community programs can unlock potential and create genuine opportunities for participation, recognition and belonging.

Explore Sunnyfield’s Community Services programs and discover how we support creativity, inclusion and meaningful community participation.

https://www.sunnyfield.org.au/services/programs/

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Knowing who pays for what can make choosing a Shared Living home much easier.

Navigating the NDIS can feel complicated, especially when it comes to understanding how funding works for Shared Living, Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO). The good news is that once you break it down, the responsibilities are clear and easy to understand.

What you pay for

When you live in an NDIS Shared Living home, you cover the same everyday costs that any person renting a home would normally pay. This includes:

• Rent
• Electricity, water and gas
• Internet
• Groceries and household items
• Personal expenses

These are known as tenancy and day-to-day living costs, and they are not covered by the NDIS because they are considered ordinary living expenses for all Australians.

What the NDIS pays for

The NDIS funds the supports that help you to live safely, comfortably and independently. This includes:

• Support workers who provide daily living support
• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Individualised Living Options (ILO)
• Home modifications when they are needed for safety and accessibility
• Assistive technology that helps you participate in daily life

These supports are designed to help you build skills, develop independence, and live in a home that suits your needs.

Why understanding this matters

Knowing what you pay for and what the NDIS funds can help you choose the right NDIS home, plan your budget and feel confident when exploring Shared Living options. It also helps families and decision-makers understand how different supports work together to create a safe and stable living environment.

A home that supports your goals

Sunnyfield Shared Living homes across NSW offer a range of support levels, from low-needs assistance through to 24-7 Supported Independent Living. Each home focuses on independence, community access and meaningful daily life.

Whether you are exploring SIL, ILO, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or general NDIS accommodation, understanding your funding gives you the power to make informed choices.

Explore Shared Living with Sunnyfield

If you are ready to learn more about NDIS housing options, our team can guide you through the next steps and help you understand your funding.

Find the right Shared Living home at

Accommodation Services

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Sunnyfield was proud to be part of Dreamnight at Taronga 2025, a much-loved annual event organised by Taronga Zoo to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for children and adults with disability, and their families.

Held after hours, Dreamnight offered a calmer and supportive environment, allowing Sunnyfield clients, families and carers to explore the zoo at their own pace. With a dedicated ticket allocation, attendees were able to enjoy the evening in a way that suited their individual needs, with comfort, accessibility and inclusion at the forefront.

The zoo came alive with colour, music and friendly faces throughout the night. Many familiar groups helped bring the event to life, including the 501st Southern Garrison with Star Wars and superhero characters, the Cockatoo Kids, the Diggers Military Motorcycle Club, SpinJoy, and representatives from NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance.

Taronga’s dedicated keepers also played a key role, presenting the Free Flight Bird Show and Red Energy Seal Show, giving attendees the opportunity to enjoy close-up animal experiences.

More than entertainment, Dreamnight created space for connection. Tranquil zones, accessible planning resources and the Taronga staff and volunteers helped ensure everyone felt supported.

Sunnyfield is grateful to Taronga Zoo and all those involved for creating an inclusive evening that brought smiles, laughter and a strong sense of community.

To learn more about how Sunnyfield supports inclusive experiences and community connection, explore our services and programs on the Sunnyfield website:
https://www.sunnyfield.org.au/

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Aspire Café serves more than good food. It is a warm, welcoming space where meaningful connections and new skills are made every day. For the last couple of years, Bianca has been at the centre of that experience. As Café Manager, she supports clients as they learn how to cook, use the till, serve customers and take on real responsibilities in a busy café environment.

Bianca brings patience, care and enthusiasm to every session. Her warm smile and steady encouragement help create a space where people feel capable, welcomed and excited to learn something new. Whether someone is preparing food for the first time or greeting customers at the counter, Bianca is there to guide, support and celebrate every achievement, big or small.

Bianca shares, “I love to teach them and have the chance to see the smiles on their faces when they achieve their goals. I have learnt that with passion and patience, everyone can evolve and learn new skills.”

She also loves seeing clients step into leadership, adding, “I love when they welcome new staff to work at the café. The excitement to show them what we do here is amazing. They really embrace the team spirit.”

The impact of her work can be seen every day in the café. Clients grow more confident in their skills, form strong connections with others and take pride in contributing to a real business that serves the community.

Aspire Café continues to thrive because of dedicated mentors like Bianca who believe in every person’s potential. If you are looking for a place to build practical skills, gain real experience and discover what you can achieve with the right support and guidance, Aspire Café is here to help you grow and belong.

Learn more about Sunnyfield fun and career opportunities at

Supported Employment Services

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For Cathy, that growth has taken shape in her garden. Watching her sunflowers grow has been deeply meaningful, reminding her of a much-loved support worker and helping her feel connected and supported. Gardening is something Cathy loves, and seeing her sunflowers grow tall and bright is a source of pride, reflection and belonging at her Freshwater home.

Inside Parramatta Community Hub, a playful moment turned into something more. In a room full of laughter and light energy, Matthew gently showed Sujan the right way to hit a balloon. What mattered was not the game itself, but the confidence, trust and connection it created. Staff learning from clients, and clients feeling safe enough to lead, is what belonging looks like in action.

For Zac, growth is visible in the goals he continues to achieve. From mowing his dad’s lawn to helping neighbours with theirs, Zac’s dedication and determination speak volumes. His hard work, pride and willingness to help others reflect growing confidence and independence, supported by those around him.

These moments may look different, but they share a common thread. They show how kindness and support create spaces where people feel valued, capable and connected. This is what Sunnyfield is about: supporting people to grow in their own way and to belong in their communities.

Discover how Sunnyfield supports people to live, learn, work and belong through everyday moments that matter. Explore our services and community today.
https://www.sunnyfield.org.au/

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A powerful creative project celebrating connection, confidence and disability rights.

Clients from Sunnyfield’s Dulwich Hill Community Services Hub recently took to the stage to present Worthy, a vibrant community performance created in partnership with Inner West Drama, Flight Path Theatre and Inner West Council. The project was the culmination of a 10-week creative living workshop designed to empower participants, spark joy and elevate the voices of people with disability.

A creative journey built on expression and confidence

Throughout the workshop series, clients explored drama, movement, storytelling and personal expression. Each week focused on building new skills, encouraging collaboration and creating a safe and supportive space for participants to share their stories.

With guidance from professional creatives and support from Sunnyfield staff, clients developed three original performances. Each piece explored unique themes and perspectives, offering insight into lived experiences and celebrating individuality.

A powerful final showcase

The final performance of Worthy brought together families, friends and community members for a moving and uplifting afternoon. Audiences described the show as heartfelt, joyful and deeply inspiring, a true reflection of the hard work and creativity poured into the project.

Beautifully captured by photographer Philip Le Masurier, the performance highlighted everything the clients had created and achieved over the 10 weeks. It was a moment of pride, connection and celebration for the entire Dulwich Hill community.

A partnership built on inclusion

Worthy stands as an example of what inclusive community partnerships can achieve. By working together, Sunnyfield, Inner West Drama, Flight Path Theatre and Inner West Council helped create an experience that championed creativity, strengthened social connections and promoted disability rights through the arts.

Explore Community Services at Sunnyfield

Sunnyfield Community Services offers programs that build skills, confidence and connection through creative arts, daily living activities, recreation, learning and community participation.

Learn more at

https://www.sunnyfield.org.au/services/community-services/

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A warm welcome and a fresh start for one of Sunnyfield’s newest Shared Living residents.

Moving into a new home is a big step, and for Ross, it has been a positive and exciting beginning. Ross recently joined our Alkira Shared Living Home, where residents and staff have welcomed him with kindness, support and genuine enthusiasm.

A smooth transition into Shared Living

From his first day at Alkira, Ross has settled in with confidence. He has spent time getting to know the home, connecting with other residents and building new routines that help him feel comfortable and supported.

The Alkira team has taken great care to make Ross feel at home, ensuring he has everything he needs as he begins this new chapter. Their focus is on providing a safe and welcoming environment where each resident can grow, build independence and enjoy meaningful daily life.

Building connections and feeling at home

Shared Living is about more than a place to stay. It is a community. The residents at Alkira have embraced Ross from the outset, inviting him into shared activities, conversations and everyday moments that help create a sense of belonging.

This supportive environment is what makes Sunnyfield Shared Living homes across NSW stand out. Each home encourages personal growth, independence and community participation, with support tailored to meet each resident’s needs.

A strong start to a new chapter

Ross’s warm welcome at Alkira reflects the heart of Sunnyfield Shared Living. With a dedicated team, friendly residents and an environment designed for safety, stability and inclusion, Ross is settling into a home that will help him thrive.

Whether it is building routine, strengthening social skills, enjoying shared activities or exploring the community, a supported home environment can make a significant difference.

Explore Shared Living with Sunnyfield

If you or someone you support is exploring Shared Living, Supported Independent Living or NDIS accommodation in NSW, we can help you find the right home.

Learn more about Sunnyfield Shared Living:

Accommodation Services

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Chloe joined the Guildford Vocational Services only a short time ago, and already her journey has been inspiring to watch. Walking into a new environment can be overwhelming, but Chloe showed great courage by taking that first step.

Since commencing at Sunnyfield, Chloe has grown in ways that make all of our team incredibly proud. She now walks into sessions with a smile, participates confidently in group activities, and is beginning to use her voice to share her thoughts and ideas. Her communication skills have strengthened, and she has become more open, engaged and self assured.

Chloe shared, “My favourite part of the year has been making friends and building my confidence.” She also said she is proud to have learnt new skills such as cooking and sewing, along with learning how to catch the train and bus home with support from her trainer and friends.

Chloe joined Vocational Services with a dream of working in childcare. Her gentle and caring nature shines through every day, and with new skills and growing confidence, she is already taking steps toward that goal. Chloe’s determination shows she has a bright future ahead. If you want to build your life and career goals, Vocational Services can help you gain skills, confidence and real experience to get there.

Explore Vocational Services

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There’s no stopping Shell. After months of dedication and preparation, she’s officially earned her P’s and couldn’t be prouder.

With encouragement from her Sunnyfield support team and family, Shell set her sights on getting her license and achieved it through focus, persistence and plenty of heart. From studying hard for the test to celebrating the moment she passed, every step has been a testament to her determination.

“I’m now chauffeuring my parents around!” Shell said proudly, showing just how much her new independence means to her and her family.

Now that she has her P’s, Shell is already looking ahead to her next goal — gaining employment and continuing to grow her confidence and independence. The future is wide open for her, and she’s driving straight toward it.

Sunnyfield’s community services support people to build skills, connect with their community and reach their goals.

Explore Community Services at sunnyfield.org.au

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Leila has been supporting residents at Ashton Home since 2011, putting people first every step of the way.

When Leila joined Sunnyfield in December 2011, she brought with her a deep commitment to person-centred support and the belief that every resident deserves to feel valued, understood and empowered in their daily life. More than a decade later, her dedication remains unchanged.

At Ashton Home, Leila supports three residents who each have their own personalities, interests and goals. Whether it is gardening, music, arts and crafts, or quiet time at home, every hobby and preference is encouraged and celebrated.

“What we do is based on residents’ needs. Clients are first,” Leila shared. “The three residents in this home are lovely. They have hobbies which we always support. We focus on their aims and what support they need, to have a better life and enjoy their lives.”

For Leila, the heart of shared living lies in getting to know each person and being there for the moments that matter — big and small. It means working alongside residents to build confidence, promote independence and create a home where they feel safe, supported and included.

Her approach reflects Sunnyfield’s commitment to providing homes where people can live with dignity, choice and meaningful connection. At Ashton Home, that commitment shines through every day.

Learn more about Sunnyfield shared living

Explore how our homes support independence, connection and quality of life.

Visit sunnyfield.org.au/shared-living to find out more or view current vacancies.

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