A Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS) Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) project delivered in partnership with Garraway Developments has been named a national finalist at the 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards, placing Mildura on the national stage for inclusive housing design.
Held earlier this month on the Gold Coast, the HIA Australian Housing Awards celebrate excellence in residential building and design, recognising outstanding achievements across 24 specialist categories nationwide.
Garraway Developments was one of just nine national finalists recognised in the Specialised Housing category for its delivery of two custom‑built SDA homes in central Mildura.
The project involved the demolition of two ageing houses adjacent to Aldi on Fifteenth Street and their replacement with two purpose‑built units constructed to the SDA robust design category standard.
SDA design incorporates a high level of physical accessibility while prioritising durability and safety – reducing the need for reactive maintenance and minimising risks to residents, support staff and the broader community.
One of the units was purpose‑built for SRS participant Billie‑Joe Percy, who has an intellectual disability and achondroplasia. Billie‑Joe played an active role in the design process to ensure the home reflected her needs and preferences.
The project was fully funded by SRS, made possible through the generous support of community partners, donors and supporters.
SRS CEO Marian Luehman congratulated Garraway Developments on their national recognition and acknowledged the strength of the ongoing partnership.
“At SRS we believe that everyone deserves a home that meets their needs, improves independence and enhances quality of life,” she said.
“Garraway Developments has been an exceptional partner in helping us deliver high‑quality SDA housing across our region, setting a new benchmark for accessible and inclusive design.
“I congratulate Ben and his team on being named finalists at these prestigious national awards.”
Garraway Developments Director Ben Garraway said the recognition was particularly meaningful for a regional project.
“To be recognised on a national stage, especially coming from Mildura, is a huge achievement,” Mr Garraway said.
“Winning the Victorian title just to get to this point was incredibly rewarding, and seeing our project alongside the best in the country was something really special.”
Ben praised the partnership with SRS as one that delivers ‘homes first’ for the community, and those who need access to them.
“A lot of specialised housing can feel clinical because of the standards required, but that’s not the case with SRS,” he said.
“The Fifteenth Street project was beautiful – from the materials and colours to the overall feel. It shows what’s possible when the focus is on creating real homes for the community.”
The Fifteenth Street development is one of several SDA projects delivered by SRS and Garraway Developments.
This partnership began with the delivery our ‘Carrazza’ complex on Fifteenth Street, our ‘Dan’ complex on San Mateo Avenue and our two‑storey Deakin Resort – a first‑of‑its‑kind development for the Sunraysia region.
All three of these builds were also recognised at the HIA Victorian Awards.
The partnership continues with new builds underway at 898–900 Fifteenth Street and a forthcoming Deakin Avenue project adjacent to McDonald’s Mildura.
“Deakin Resort in particular was thoughtfully designed to empower residents with disabilities,” Marian said. “From wide doorways and mixed‑height benches to low‑switch lighting and an internal elevator, every element prioritises comfort, accessibility and functionality.”
Marian said accessible housing is about more than structural features.
“It’s about creating homes that offer security, dignity and real choice in how people want to live,” she said.
“For people living with disability, having a home that genuinely meets their needs isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
Ben said upcoming developments would showcase advanced assistive technology and automation.
“What these homes will be able to do will make people’s lives so much easier,” he said. “The technology being incorporated is unlike anything else we’ve done, and I can’t wait to see it completed.”
SRS continues to develop a range of SDA options that are more than just houses. Whether for respite, short‑term or long‑term accommodation, individuals have access to wrap‑around support services tailored to their needs.
To learn more, visit www.srsinc.com.au/accommodation
Every donation helps SRS continue providing essential care and delivering award‑recognised accommodation for people with disabilities and aged care needs. To support this work, visit https://tr.ee/SRSDonate
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