The SILosophy’s Podcast

SILosophy

🎙️ Stay Inspired and Informed Year-Round! Why wait to grow your knowledge? Subscribe to SILosophy, the ultimate podcast for SIL providers, and unlock ongoing learning with practical tips from industry experts. 💡 What You’ll Learn: - How to find participants for your SIL homes. - Expert advice on setting up and managing SIL homes. - Navigating compliance requirements with confidence. - Real-world stories from SIL providers and consultants. 🎯 Learn From the Best: Join top NDIS leaders and successful SIL providers as they share actionable insights and inspiring journeys. 📚 Listen Anytime, Anywhere: Make learning work for your schedule with our flexible, on-demand episodes.

  1. SILosophy Episode 23 -  Supporting Complex Participants | Strength In Care

    11/17/2025

    SILosophy Episode 23 - Supporting Complex Participants | Strength In Care

    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

    26 min
  2. SILosophy Episode 22 -  Fire Safety in SIL | Equal Access Group

    11/03/2025

    SILosophy Episode 22 - Fire Safety in SIL | Equal Access Group

    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/   #firesafety, #sil, #safetyintegritylevel, #taniagomezconsulting, #processsafety, #silcertification, #firesafetytraining, #industrialfiresafety, #firesafetytips, #functionalSafety, #firesafetystandards, #firesafetyawareness, #firesafetymanagement, #firesafetyengineering, #firesafetyepisode22

    20 min
  3. SILosophy Episode 21 - Getting the Right Funding for your Participant | Tania Gomez Consulting

    10/20/2025

    SILosophy Episode 21 - Getting the Right Funding for your Participant | Tania Gomez Consulting

    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

    22 min
  4. SILosophy Episode 20 - Managing Property and Money in SIL I ‍SpendAble

    10/06/2025

    SILosophy Episode 20 - Managing Property and Money in SIL I ‍SpendAble

    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

    32 min
  5. SILosophy Episode 19 - A SIL Providers Journey I Hilltop Caring

    09/22/2025

    SILosophy Episode 19 - A SIL Providers Journey I Hilltop Caring

    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

    39 min
  6. SILosophy Episode 18 -  State Based Rules for SIL Providers | DLA Piper

    09/08/2025

    SILosophy Episode 18 - State Based Rules for SIL Providers | DLA Piper

    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

    39 min
  7. SILosophy Episode 17 - Understanding SIL Profitability I Resolv

    08/25/2025

    SILosophy Episode 17 - Understanding SIL Profitability I Resolv

    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

    25 min
  8. SILosophy Episode 16 - A SIL Providers Journey I Sunflower hub

    08/11/2025

    SILosophy Episode 16 - A SIL Providers Journey I Sunflower hub

    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   #silosophy, #sunflowerhub, #taniagomezconsulting, #silprovidersjourney, #episode16, #consultingjourney, #silosophyepisode16, #sunflowerhubstory, #leadershipjourney, #personaljourney, #smallbusinessconsulting, #entrepreneurship, #consultantlife, #businessgrowth, #womenentrepreneurs

    24 min

About

🎙️ Stay Inspired and Informed Year-Round! Why wait to grow your knowledge? Subscribe to SILosophy, the ultimate podcast for SIL providers, and unlock ongoing learning with practical tips from industry experts. 💡 What You’ll Learn: - How to find participants for your SIL homes. - Expert advice on setting up and managing SIL homes. - Navigating compliance requirements with confidence. - Real-world stories from SIL providers and consultants. 🎯 Learn From the Best: Join top NDIS leaders and successful SIL providers as they share actionable insights and inspiring journeys. 📚 Listen Anytime, Anywhere: Make learning work for your schedule with our flexible, on-demand episodes.