Aruma set to expand disability service offering to Cairns

People living with a disability in Cairns will soon be able to choose Aruma, one of Australia’s leading disability service organisations, as their ‘go to’ provider.  

Aruma has collaborated with developers Apollo SDA and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider Home in Place, to start building SDA homes at Canopy’s Edge Estate in Smithfield.

The new homes will offer state-of-the-art facilities for up to nine people with a disability, across six villas. Residents can expect to start moving in by March next year (2023).

In the coming months, Aruma will also start Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Community Participation supports in Cairns. The organisation already offers these services together with out-of-home-care for children in Townsville, and operates out-of-home care for children in Mackay.

Aruma acting CEO Tiffany Roxburgh welcomed the opportunity to offer more people with a disability options to be supported by one of the largest and most experienced disability service providers in Australia.

One of our aims is to offer high-quality support for more people with a disability in Queensland, so we’re really excited to be working with Apollo SDA and Home in Place on this project, Tiffany said.

These SDA properties will incorporate innovative modern designs that will bring a new approach to support people who may have high and complex support needs and want to maintain their independence.

Aruma has decades of experience supporting people with a range of disabilities and we want to offer more choice to those who need support in Cairns. We think the additional homes and community services we can offer will be really appealing to eligible people looking for some extra help on their own terms.

Aruma is also offering a range of jobs to local people in Cairns for those looking to work in the disability sector or seeking a change. Find out more here.

We’re after Support Workers to help us support people with a disability in the new SDA properties, our SIL homes and Community Participation, Tiffany said.

Maybe you’re looking for a career change or perhaps you’re looking for work in what continues to be a difficult environment brought on by COVID-19. Whatever your story, if you’ve got strong values, good energy and are seeking a rewarding career, these opportunities could be for you.

Apollo SDA Director Richard Martin is excited to be working with Aruma on this project in Canopy’s Edge Estate.

It’s in a wonderful location nestled amongst a rainforest and creek yet adjacent to all the amenities of the Smithfield retail precinct, Mr Martin said.

It features thoughtful design, led by people with a disability, that balances privacy with community, aesthetics with function and a range of customisations and inclusions that support the specific needs of people with a disability. This might include safety features in a kitchen or even building an aviary for a customer who loves birds.

True to our commitment to developing communities like Cairns, the project sits on three very large blocks and, when completed in 2023, will include three different accommodation types and designs, featuring a high-end communal recreation facility with BBQ, outdoor theatre, vegie garden and a hydro-therapy pool.