For five decades, Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS) has been doing more than building accommodation — it has been challenging what disability housing can, and should, look like.
From its earliest developments to its latest project, DON, SRS has pursued a clear philosophy that people living with disability deserve homes that are not simply accessible, but contemporary, high-quality, individualised and designed around the way they want to live.
It’s an approach that has helped transform the expectations of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) across the region and earned SRS and its development partners repeated recognition through Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards.
That journey accelerated in 2002 with the appointment of Chief Executive Officer Marian Luehman, who brought with her a simple but ambitious vision: people living with disability deserve homes that are equal to, or better than, any contemporary housing development.
That philosophy has shaped the development of respite at John Street, the TICA Complex, the BOB Complex, Carrazza, DAN, Deakin Resort, ALDI and, most soon, DON.
Each project has achieved legislative accessibility standards while also delivering bespoke, high-quality, individually designed homes. Careful attention to detail has also created environments that continue to promote independence, dignity and positive quality-of-life outcomes.
The success of SRS’ bespoke approach has been recognised repeatedly through Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards. Since 2021, Garraway Developments, SRS’ long-time construction partner, has entered Carrazza, DAN, Deakin Resort and ALDI in the Specialist Housing Awards, with each project receiving recognition.
This long-standing partnership between SRS and Garraway Developments demonstrates that Specialist Disability Accommodation can be innovative, contemporary and aspirational.
The ALDI development exemplifies this philosophy. Built to the Robust SDA design standard, the project received Victorian recognition and achieved national finalist status, while providing housing specifically tailored to the needs of its participants.
Importantly, these projects are not simply buildings. They represent opportunities for independence, dignity, personal choice and long-term security.
“Everyone deserves a home they are proud to live in. That belief has guided every accommodation project we’ve undertaken,” SRS CEO Marian Luehman said.
“Our partnership with Garraway Developments has allowed us to continually push the boundaries of what specialist disability accommodation can look like. Good accommodation isn’t just about accessibility. It’s about creating homes where people feel comfortable, independent and connected.
“We also acknowledge and thank Brent at BWA for his ongoing professional guidance and mentoring, and Andrew at ASPIRE Architecture for transforming our ideas, sketches and design into workable architectural drawings.”
What makes SRS’ approach particularly remarkable is that most developments have been self-funded through donations and fundraising efforts. This reflects an unwavering commitment to achieving meaningful community outcomes and ensuring that investment in accommodation directly benefits the people SRS supports.
With DON set to open its doors on Saturday 17 October 2026, and future developments already on the drawing board, SRS continues to demonstrate that quality accommodation remains one of the most powerful ways to improve quality of life.
For five decades, SRS has shown that a home can be much more than a roof over someone’s head. It can be the foundation for independence, belonging and a life of choice.
Learn more about SRS’ upcoming 50th Celebrations by following our social media channels or by visiting https://tr.ee/SRS50event
Media Contact:
Vinnie Rodi – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Phone: 0439 364 781
Email: vrodi@srsinc.com.au