After almost five years of working towards his goal of greater independence, Cody has reached an exciting milestone. He has moved out of Aruma’s Shared Independent Living (SIL) and into his own home near Brisbane, closer to his family.
It is a goal Cody set with Nathan Lawrie, Manager Shared Living – Gold Coast South, almost five years ago. Together, they developed a five-year plan to build Cody’s daily living skills and confidence, with the long-term goal of living more independently.
In true Cody fashion, he has achieved that goal ahead of schedule.
During his time with Aruma, Cody has developed the skills to manage many aspects of everyday life, including cooking, cleaning, budgeting and using public transport. He has worked at Hungry Jack’s for more than three years, completed a Certificate II in Hospitality and obtained his learner licence.
Cody has also taken important steps in making decisions about his own life. He became his own legal decision-maker, including having the Public Trustee Queensland removed as his financial guardian.
He has also become well known for his cooking, confidently preparing more than 50 different meals.
Cody’s achievements go beyond everyday life. He represented Queensland in AFL for three years, including as part of a National Division 2 Championship-winning team, and was named the Titans Leaguability Player of the Year in 2022.
“I have had such wonderful support team around me who have supported me to achieve my NDIS goals and my football dreams,” says Cody.
He has also found his voice as an advocate for people with disability.
For over three years, Cody has been a member of Aruma’s Human Rights Advisory Committee. He even spoke at Aruma’s Human Rights Conferences to an audience of more than 100 people.
In August 2026, Cody travelled to Parliament House to meet with the NDIS Minister and advocate for people with disability in relation to NDIS reforms.
“Being part of Aruma has been an incredibly rewarding journey that has positively shaped my life. It has given me the skills and confidence to live more independently, while also providing amazing opportunities to advocate for others living with disability,” says Cody.
Cody’s move was celebrated with a farewell gathering filled with lots of laughs and a few tears.
While he is moving on from SIL, Cody will remain part of the Aruma community as a member of the Human Rights Advisory Committee until the end of the year. Aruma will also continue providing support during his transition before reviewing his ongoing support needs with him.
Looking back on his time with Aruma, Cody says the friendships he has made along the way are something he will always value.
“Along the way I have made a wonderful group of friends, and I will miss all of them greatly.”
Nathan, who has known Cody since he was 10 years old, says it has been a privilege to watch him grow.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see the capable, determined and accomplished 24-year-old man he has become today,” he said.
Congratulations, Cody. We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and look forward to seeing what comes next.
Cody’s journey is a great example of what is possible when people are supported to build their skills, work towards their goals and take the next step when they are ready.
Aruma’s Shared Independent Living (SIL) supports people with disability to build their independence, develop everyday skills and work towards their own goals, with support tailored to what they want to achieve.
