A BELDON home is being transformed in the ultimate act of goodwill.
Iluka couple Deb Saville and Lindsay Breach are renovating their property to help people with disabilities who want to live independently.
They own properties in Butler and Beldon along with their Iluka home and decided they wanted to donate them after they die to Future Living Trust, which helps look after the future of people with a developmental disability after their caregivers are gone.
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READ NOWMs Saville said she and her husband wanted their properties “to keep going” then decided they could also make a difference while they lived.
They approached their property manager and Flick Realty chief executive Mike Wilding, who suggested they renovate the home.
Dubbed the MAD (making a difference) living legacy project, the house will undergo a full renovation, including new kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and painting, as well as modifications to cater for people with disabilities.
During the eight to 10 week transformation they will be seeking tenants, with the trust recommending clients wishing to live independently and Edith Cowan University advertising to students studying in the disability services field who could learn from living with someone with a disability.
“We’ve no idea who’s going to end up living there yet,” Ms Saville said.
“There’s a massive waiting list for people in independent living.
“Ideally it would be somebody who can learn independence skills, a newly qualified social worker or physio, a young professional just starting out in their career, maybe a student or somebody who needs a hand up.”
Mr Wilding and his wife Donna, as well as INTU Property owner Sue Daley and Joe Maiolo, who owns Maiolo Construction, have been busy securing materials and tradespeople for free, with more than 45 people donating their time and services.
Having been involved in a charity renovation project before, Mr Wilding said he was not surprised how willing people were to help but was deeply impressed with the project idea.
“Not too many people are going to donate property,” he said.
“This (project) has never happened in Australia before, no one has ever done this.
“I’m inspired by Deb and Lindsay, I think it is very noble that someone would do that in the first place and it drives me to get the whole project sorted out perfectly.”
Ms Saville said she was overwhelmed by the support.
“I can’t believe it; everyone jumped on board,” she said.
“The Australian spirit is just fantastic, I’m proud to be an Australian.”
Her parents Brian and Gwen Saville are also involved; they are moving to an aged care facility and will donate their furniture and possessions for the home.
“I really wanted to do it while they’re around so they can see it,” she said.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Potential tenants can call Flick Realty on 9406 4000.
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