The SILosophy’s Podcast

SILosophy
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🎙️ 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. 3d ago

    SILosophy - Episode 30: SIL reform from a participants perspective

    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. In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Ryan Simon from Paylos. Ryan brings a unique dual perspective to the conversation, having lived in residential care and Supported Independent Living (SIL) as a participant, while now working on the frontline as a support worker and media specialist. Ryan and Tania discuss the realities of plan cuts, the anxiety surrounding rapid policy changes, the importance of genuine trauma-informed care, and why support work must be viewed as a skilled, passion-driven career rather than just an entry-level job. Key Content Covered In This Episode: The Participant Perspective: Navigating plan cuts, quarterly reviews, and the fear of sudden funding reductions without clear communication. Building Independence: How participants can focus on core life skills, such as cooking and self-advocacy, to prepare for potential funding changes. Frontline Worker Realities: Balancing client support while managing the uncertainty of sector-wide budget restrictions. Communication Gaps: Why participants and families often feel blindsided by news updates and policy shifts, and how provider admin teams can bridge the gap. Reframing Support Work as a Career: Moving past the perception of support work as simple social outings and highlighting the need for trauma-informed training and complex care skills. Future Outlook: Looking ahead at NDIS reforms, alternative community funding pathways, and Ryan's goals for ongoing youth mentorship. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Ryan Simon 00:45 – Dual Perspectives: Living in SIL and Working in the NDIS 01:40 – The Impact of Media Noise and Sudden Plan Cuts on Participants 03:20 – Communication Issues: How Changes Are Delivered to Participants 04:30 – Preparing for Policy Shifts and Building Independent Life Skills 06:40 – The Worker Perspective: Supporting Young People Through System Changes 08:00 – Is Support Work a Career? Passion, Training, and Complex Care 10:15 – Long-Term Predictions for NDIS Reform and Third-Party Grants 11:30 – Personal Mentorship Goals and Media Aspirations 12:50 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Ryan Simon Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Ryan Simon: Find Ryan Simon on LinkedIn Learn More About Paylos: paylos.org

  2. Sep 23

    SILosophy-Episode 29: Respite and Funding Changes

    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 respite providers, and how can organisations adapt while maintaining therapeutic value? In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez sits down with Luke Wilson, Managing Director of Paylos. Operating out of rural Victoria, Paylos delivers unique, non-traditional respite experiences focused on outdoor engagement, fishing, and four-wheel driving for participants who often avoid mainstream disability services. Luke unpacks the operational realities of unbundling, the public perception driving regulatory crackdowns, and why intentional, early-intervention respite ultimately saves taxpayers money across health, child protection, and justice systems. Key Content Covered In This Episode: De-constructing Unbundling: The shift from 24-hour block-funded day rates to itemised support hours, travel, and accommodation costs. Why the Price Guide Changed: How public scrutiny over high-cost holidays and non-compliant providers led to strict transparency requirements. The Food Funding Dilemma: The operational challenges of managing out-of-pocket meal costs for participants from low socio-economic or child protection backgrounds. Building Sustainable Service Models: How investing in reusable, low-cost equipment (fishing gear, camping equipment, vehicles) helps providers absorb pricing shocks. Capacity Building and Scheme Exit: Transitioning participants from 1:1 ratios to group settings, fostering independence, and supporting vocational outcomes. The True Cost of Kicking the Can Down the Road: Why cutting community access and respite budgets risks shifting financial costs onto emergency services, mental health systems, and corrections. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Luke Wilson (Paylos) 01:10 – The Paylos Model: De-stigmatising Services Through Outdoor Engagement 03:15 – What Does "Unbundling" Mean in NDIS Respite? 05:40 – Public Perception, Misused Funds, and the Push for Transparency 09:00 – Delivering High-Impact Respite on Low-Cost Infrastructure 12:20 – The Impact of Meal Funding Rules on Communal Living 16:40 – Respite as Early Intervention: Preventing Placement Breakdown and Systemic Failure 21:00 – Balancing Budgetary Boundaries with Sector Needs 24:30 – Designing Services for Participant Independence and Scheme Exit 28:15 – Why Community Access and Respite Are Essential to Sector Reform 31:00 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Luke Wilson Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Luke Wilson and Paylos: paylos.org #NDIS #RespiteCare #ShortTermAccommodation #SILosophy #NDISReform #NDISCompliance #DisabilitySupport #Paylos #ProfitableNDISProvider

  3. Sep 16

    SILosophy Episode 28: Leading a SIL workforce through new standards

    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 genuine buy-in from support staff? In this practical episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Dave Wells, General Manager at Coastwide Community Care and co-author of Future-Proofing Your SIL Business. Drawing from eight years of hands-on experience—starting as a support worker and progressing into executive management—Dave shares a refreshingly direct, operator's perspective on why the new standards are a necessary win for participant safety and quality care. Dave and Tania break down how to move away from rigid, "aged-care style" routines in SIL environments, how to handle worker compliance with non-negotiable boundaries, and why adult learning principles are key to reducing staff turnover and eliminating "aha" moments on shift.

  4. Sep 9

    SILosophy - Episode 27: Data and Demain in SIL

    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 Urban (Planning Property Consultants). Hong specializes in social infrastructure, town planning, and data analytics, helping investors, developers, and service providers navigate the complex planning permissions, zoning laws, and demand data across Australia. Hong and Tania break down the common pitfalls in Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) acquisitions—from $3M property mistakes and biodiversity zoning traps to interpreting NDIS data sets. They also discuss why national data often hides local demand mismatches, the rise of clustered housing models, and how to properly de-risk disability housing investments under NDIS reform. Key Content Covered In This Episode: The Hidden Risks in Property Acquisition: Real-world examples of costly town planning, zoning, and environmental study traps (including $80k cultural heritage reports and biodiversity restrictions). De-coding NDIS Data: Understanding the 3-to-4-week lag in NDIA data, why headline numbers miss hidden demand, and how to interpret pipeline figures accurately. The SDA Supply-Demand Mismatch: Why regional areas with cheap land suffer from oversupply while high-demand metropolitan areas remain underserved. SIL vs. SDA Market Dynamics: Addressing the 7,000+ SIL providers operating in Australia, the shift toward mandatory registration, and why residential head-leases require proper due diligence. Clustered Housing Models: How the sector is shifting toward smaller, clustered homes to optimize SIL staffing efficiency without compromising participant independence. Comparing Disability Housing to Childcare Assets: Capital requirements, pre-leasing structures, planning approvals, and risk profiles across government-regulated sectors. Practical Steps to De-Risk Investments: Why independent feasibility studies, local participant clustering, and correct insurance policies are essential for long-term sustainability. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy & Introducing Hong Knowling (PPC Urban) 01:30 – What PPC Urban Does: Mapping Gaps & De-Risking Investments 03:00 – Millions Lost: Common Town Planning & Zoning Disasters 06:20 – Is NDIS Data Outdated? Understanding Delays, Limitations, and Certification Triggers 09:15 – Misinterpreting Pipeline Numbers: Legacy Homes vs. Modern SDA 12:00 – Are There Too Many SIL Providers? Unpacking the 7,000 Provider Landscape 15:10 – The Shift Toward Clustered Housing and Operational Efficiency 18:30 – Robust Housing Mismatches: The Danger of Poor Advice 22:00 – Participant Onboarding & Avoiding Single-Tenancy Losses 24:45 – Comparing SDA/SIL to Childcare Assets & Town Planning Pathways 29:10 – Why SIL Housing Needs Better Environmental & Safety Benchmarks 32:00 – Co-Living Insurance Pitfalls for SIL Head-Leases 34:30 – Wrap Up & How to Access PPC Urban's Free Data Platform

  5. Sep 2

    SILosophy-Episode 26: Back to the future... What have we learnt over decades of group homes

    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 Tania Gomez is joined by Joseph Conellen, a disability housing expert with over 30 years of experience as a CEO, advocacy leader, government advisor, and community housing advocate. Having witnessed the tail-end of deinstitutionalization, Joseph offers a rare, long-term historical lens on the current reform environment, comparing today's sector disruption to major government interventions of past decades. Together, Tania and Joseph unpack the economic realities of the scheme, the future of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL), the potential risks of high-density housing models, and how providers can survive the upcoming regulatory "winter." Key Content Covered In This Episode: The Transition to NDIS 2.0: Why the scheme is shifting away from an unsustainable demand-driven model toward defined government budget controls. Market Realities & Monopsonies: How single-purchaser schemes create economic pressure on small and medium providers, and why gap-funding isn't a silver bullet. The Future of SDA & Basic Stock: Unpacking upcoming industry shocks, including grandfathered assessments, capacity reductions, and potential state government divestments. The Danger of Modern "Institutions": Examining high-density housing developments, 15-apartment single-site models, and why concentration without community integration poses long-term risks. Reforming SIL & Mandatory Registration: Why SIL housing has historically been under-regulated from a physical housing standpoint and what upcoming compliance checks will look like. The Commissioning Model: How government-managed commissioning could shape the top players in the disability housing space over the next 3 to 10 years. Navigating the "Seasons" of Reform: Strategic advice for boards, executives, and business owners on reducing overheads, surviving consolidation, and preparing for the next growth cycle.

  6. Aug 27

    SILosophy Episode 25: The SIL Reform from an SDA Perspective

    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 housing and support delivery for participants. SDA vs. SIL Separation: Why regulatory shifts are enforcing a clearer boundary between physical housing (SDA) and day-to-day supports (SIL), and what that means for operational strategy. The Developer & Provider Lens: How SDA providers and investors are adjusting their building design and service models to remain aligned with changing SIL funding guidelines. Participant Choice and Control: Ensuring that the decoupling of housing and support gives participants true independence without creating operational friction or communication breakdowns. Future-Proofing Disability Housing: Practical steps for providers to stay compliant, navigate NDIS pricing changes, and build sustainable models that prioritize long-term participant outcomes. Whether you operate in the SDA development space or manage SIL operations, this conversation offers critical insights into navigating structural reform while building high-quality, person-centered environments.

  7. Aug 19

    SILosophy Episode 24: Navigating the changes as a leader

    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.

  8. 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

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

Information

  • Creator
    SILosophy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The SILosophy’s Podcast

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