For Julie Meale, living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) comes with its challenges, but with incredible determination and the support of Accessible Homes Australia (AHA), she is enjoying an active and involved lifestyle. A tenant at AHA’s East Palm Beach apartments and foster carer for newborns, Julie is passionate about community involvement and is now looking forward to welcoming a new chapter, transitioning to AHA’s Hervey Bay Specialist Disability Accommodation community ‘Urraween Village’, set to open in early 2026.
“Living in an AHA Specialist Disability Apartment has been wonderful. Having round-the-clock onsite care close by has meant I can live a normal life, but when I have difficult days due to MS, I know there’s immediate support. Apartment living has been a good experience, but I’m looking forward to moving from the lifts to a house where I can open my front door and just walk out into my garden and the sunshine,” said Julie.
Centrally located close to Stocklands Shopping Centre and Hervey Bay Hospital, AHA’s Urraween Village has been thoughtfully designed with input from residents like Julie, allowing them to influence the spaces they will live in. The site will include 12 modern, single-level, two-bedroom SDA villas with generous accessible terrace balconies and gardens and communal facilities, including an accessible pool, gym, media room and residents’ lounge, sensory garden, barbeque, and communal outside dining areas.
“Being part of the design process was a great experience. From little details like where to put the rubbish bins to bigger things like solar panels on the roof, it’s been exciting to have a say in how everything comes together,” said Julie.
I’m looking forward to meeting the other community members around the BBQ, using the gym, which is great for my mental health, and swimming in the heated pool.”
A key part of Julie’s excitement comes from the peace of mind her new home will provide, with MS sometimes bringing unexpected challenges.
“There are times when I lose my eyesight without any warning, and having on-site shared support brings comfort. Knowing someone is there if I need them makes all the difference. This allows me to continue to do the things I love and stay busy. I can continue my work as a foster carer for newborn babies, something very close to my heart
“With the flexibility and support AHA offers, I can continue providing short-term, emergency care for babies in need. It’s a rewarding part of my life, and I’m so happy I can keep doing it.”
Her new home also means staying connected with family and friends.
“My family is excited to visit, and with the extra bedroom, it’ll be like a holiday for them. Being close to an airport makes it easy for everyone to come and stay, and I even have space for my camper van!”
“I’ve gotten to know the AHA team over the years, and they feel more like friends than anything else. They’re always looking for ways to improve our lives, and nothing is ever too much trouble for them.
“It’s important to live independently, and AHA makes that possible. The home’s assistive technology, like automatic doors and blinds, is a big help when my strength isn’t great, and if I ever need advice, they’re only a phone call away,” said Julie.
As Julie looks forward to seeing the development of Urraween Village continue, she is grateful for AHA’s ongoing commitment to its residents.
“This is AHA’s fourth development, and they keep making improvements to create an even better experience. I feel fortunate to be part of something that’s always evolving to support people like me.”
To learn more about AHA’s Urraween Village at Hervey Bay or to apply for one of the villas, go to https://www.accessiblehomes.au/home-designs/urraween-hervey-bay/
You can find more information about SDA on our website (make sure to check out our blogs and FAQs!), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with videos and other resources you can access to learn more.
And as always please get in touch with us directly at team@accessiblehomes.com.au or by giving me a call on 0411 191 548 – because we want to support you through your entire SDA journey!
