The house, aptly named the “Maurie Britten House” after one of the organisation’s longest standing members, has been several years in the planning and has been built to provide six permanent residents and one short-term (respite) resident with their own bedroom and living room, and individual bathroom and kitchenette.

Macleay Options customer relations manager Fiona Welsh said in 2009 a feasibility study was performed in conjunction with Southern Cross University.

“It was identified that there was a need to develop a specialist accommodation model of support for people with an intellectual disability that would allow them to age in a suitable environment with co-workers and friends,” Ms Welsh said.

“The study found that most intellectually-disabled people lived with their aging parents/carers with the only alternative options available being a nursing home, even though they were in their 40’s.”

Since 1962 Macleay Options has been supporting people with a disability and assisting their families and carers. The association was started by a group of concerned parents who shared the common goal of creating opportunities for children with an intellectual disability, at a time when special education facilities in Kempsey and surrounding areas were very limited.  The organisation has now evolved to its current structure that offers vocation services in its  six business units that are spread throughout the local community:

Ms Welsh said the official opening of Maurie Britten House was conducted by the member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and Sue West from the NSW Government’s Family and Community Services – Ageing, Disability and Homecare.

“A large gathering of approximately 90 people braved the weather to mark the special occasion and were able to view the house and experience the innovative design and thermal features incorporated by local architect Lachlan Miles.

“The NSW government provided the funding to purchase the land and construct the independent living house along with three dual occupancy apartment style villas which Hotondo Homes Kempsey is now commencing on as stage 2 of the development that is due for completion in July 2016.”