Shows
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 23 - Supporting Complex Participants | Strength In CareIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Ollie Vles, founder and CEO of Strength in Care, to discuss the complexities of managing challenging behaviours in SIL homes. Ollie shares his unique approach to participant support, staffing strategies, property management, and the importance of creating the right environment for success.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Ollie Vles from Strength in Care
02:20 – Common challenges in managing complex behaviours in SIL homes
05:10 – Why the physical environment is a critical factor in reducing incidents
07:45 – Proactive measures to minimi...
2025-11-1725 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 22 - Fire Safety in SIL | Equal Access GroupIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez speaks with Bruce Bromley, a leading expert in SDA design and fire safety, to explore the critical importance of fire safety in SIL homes. They discuss common risks, essential fire safety measures, and how SIL providers can proactively improve emergency planning to protect participants and reduce liability.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Bruce Bromley from SDA Consulting
02:05 – The biggest fire safety risks in SIL homes
04:30 – Why most SIL homes don’t meet fire safety regulations
07:15 – The importance of fire sprink...
2025-11-0320 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 21 - Getting the Right Funding for your Participant | Tania Gomez ConsultingIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Storm Menzies, an expert in NDIS funding and SIL participant support, to discuss how SIL providers can proactively ensure participants receive the right funding for their needs. Storm shares insider tips, advocacy strategies, and practical steps for navigating the funding review process.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Storm Menzies
02:10 – Storm’s background in SIL, support coordination, and allied health
05:20 – The #1 mistake SIL providers make in securing participant funding
07:30 – Why evidence is everything – What NDIS needs to approve fu...
2025-10-2122 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 20 - Managing Property and Money in SIL I SpendAbleIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez welcomes Josh Byron, Co-Founder of Spendable, to discuss the complexities of managing client funds in SIL homes. With his background as a SIL provider, Josh shares key insights on financial transparency, risk management, and the role of assistive technology in empowering participants.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with Josh Byron from Spendable
02:30 – Josh’s journey from running a SIL service provider to founding Spendable
04:50 – Why managing client funds in SIL is an unspoken burden on providers
08:20 – Major financial risks for SIL pro...
2025-10-0732 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 19 - A SIL Providers Journey I Hilltop CaringIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Stephen Fakeney, CEO of Hilltop Caring, to explore what it really takes to be a successful SIL provider. With over 25 years in disability accommodation and experience in both the construction and service delivery sides of SIL, Stephen shares valuable lessons for new and existing providers, covering financial sustainability, innovation, collaboration, and the future of SIL in 2025.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Stephen Fakeney from Hilltop Caring
02:15 – Stephen’s 25-year journey in disability accommodation & SIL
04:30 – How SIL has evolv...
2025-09-2338 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 18 - State Based Rules for SIL Providers | DLA PiperIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper to unpack the layers of regulation impacting SIL providers across different Australian states. They explore how federal, state, and even local council regulations overlap—and sometimes contradict each other—making compliance a challenge for providers.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper
02:10 – Why SIL providers must comply with multiple layers of regulation
04:45 – State-based disability laws & how they differ across Australia
07:30 – Council-level regulations – Why they vary & how to check local...
2025-09-0938 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 17 - Understanding SIL Profitability I ResolvIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Josh Pix from Resolv to break down SIL profitability—why many SIL providers aren’t making money despite large plan values and what they can do to fix it.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Josh Pix from Resolv
02:20 – Why SIL profitability is much lower than people expect
04:10 – The 3 biggest drivers of SIL profitability
06:00 – Rostering & claiming mistakes – The #1 profit killer in SIL
09:20 – Rent, utilities, groceries & activities – How to manage the subsidy gap
12:00 – Why under...
2025-08-2624 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 16 - A SIL Providers Journey I Sunflower hubIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Susan and Lianne from Sunflower Hub to discuss their journey as Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers. They share their passion for participant-centered care, the challenges of balancing business and quality support, and their vision for a community-driven SIL model. From overcoming financial hurdles to creating truly participant-led homes, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring and current SIL providers.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Meet Susan & Lianne from Sunflower Hub
02:30 – The journey to becoming a SIL provider: Identifying a gap in the m...
2025-08-1223 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 15 - When Participants Don't Get Along | Tania Gomez ConsultingIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by an experienced SIL professional Storm Menzies to explore one of the most common challenges in Supported Independent Living (SIL): What happens when participants don’t get along?
With most SIL homes operating on a one support worker to three participants model, ensuring that housemates are well-matched and able to resolve conflicts effectively is crucial. But even with the best planning, conflict is inevitable in shared living.
This episode unpacks common causes of conflict, best practices for matching participants, conflict resolution techniques, and...
2025-07-2920 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 14 - Separation of SIL and SDA I DLA PiperIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Jackson Dyer from DLA Piper to discuss the separation of SIL and SDA—one of the most debated topics in the NDIS space.
For years, the NDIA has advocated for the separation of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) to maintain participant choice and control. Jackson unpacks the legal complexities of this issue, what the future of SIL-SDA separation might look like, and how providers can best prepare for potential legislative changes.
This episode also explores conflicts of inte...
2025-07-1530 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 13 - SIL financials I Avanti AccountantsIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez is joined by Melissa from Avanti Accountants to break down the complexities of SIL financials. From understanding participant-to-staff ratios to managing overtime costs and tracking cash flow, this episode is packed with practical advice for SIL providers looking to improve financial sustainability.
Melissa shares key insights into the Disability Worker Cost Model, the SCHADS Award, and how to effectively monitor expenses to avoid financial pitfalls. If you’re running a SIL business, this is an essential listen to help you manage your margins and stay profitable in the lon...
2025-07-0123 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 12 - Creating a home, not a house I Support Worker StoreIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Sarah Heriot from the Support Worker Store to discuss the importance of creating a true home for SIL participants—rather than just placing them in a house.
Sarah shares her insights on what makes a home feel safe and welcoming, the role of support workers in fostering independence, and how to ensure participants have real choice and control over their living environment. From interior design decisions to fostering housemate relationships and overcoming challenges, this episode is packed with practical strategies for SIL providers and support wor...
2025-06-1723 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 11 - Top SIL Software Solutions I TechAbilityIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Anita Gover from TechAbility to explore how SIL providers can optimise their technology systems. From essential tech stacks to automation, AI-driven tools, and cybersecurity best practices, Anita shares expert insights on how providers can streamline operations, protect sensitive data, and leverage emerging technologies to enhance service delivery.
Whether you're a SIL provider struggling with system integrations or looking to future-proof your business with AI and automation, this episode is packed with practical advice on getting your tech right from the start.
Ep...
2025-06-0328 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 10 - Advertising Vacancies I The Growth Academy | Tania Gomez ConsultingIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Chris Lapa from The Growth Academy to discuss the essential strategies for filling SIL vacancies. They explore the intersection of marketing, branding, and sales—breaking down how SIL providers can effectively position their services, attract the right participants, and build trust with both users and choosers.
Chris shares insights into the power of storytelling, the role of digital marketing (Google Ads, Facebook campaigns, SEO, and LinkedIn), and the importance of a structured sales process. Whether you’re a SIL provider struggling with vacancies or looking to op...
2025-05-1942 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 9 - Paradise with Purpose I Community Home Australia | Tania Gomez ConsultingIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Dr. Rodney Jilek from Community Home Australia to discuss their groundbreaking initiative—offering NDIS-funded short-term accommodation (STA) in Bali. Dr. Jilek shares the vision behind this unique respite option, the funding model, the benefits for participants, and how the program aligns with NDIS guidelines. They also delve into future plans, including the expansion into aged care and long-term retirement options in Bali.
If you’ve ever wondered about alternative respite models that prioritize both participant experience and sustainability, this episode is a must-listen!
...
2025-05-0530 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 8 - SIL Providers journey I MyAssistaIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez welcomes Cedar Anderson, founder and director of MyAssista, to share her journey and insights into the world of Supported Independent Living (SIL). Cedar discusses the challenges of one-on-one SIL, balancing participant needs with business sustainability, and the importance of being participant-driven. With real-life lessons, financial advice, and a focus on quality care, this episode is packed with practical tips for new and experienced providers alike.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Meet Cedar Anderson and the story behind MyAssista
02:30 – The beginnings of MyAssista: Transitioning from personal need...
2025-04-2227 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 7 - SIL ExpansionIn this insightful episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Laura Cowell, CEO of Australian Operations for Tender Loving Care, to discuss strategic growth in the SIL (Supported Independent Living) space. From determining when it’s the right time to expand, to balancing participant needs with business sustainability, Laura shares her wealth of experience managing one of Australia’s largest for-purpose NDIS providers. Learn how to design participant-driven SIL homes, tackle common challenges, and maintain a culture of quality while scaling your operations.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Meet Laura Cowell and her inspiri...
2025-04-0827 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 6 - Service Agreements that WorkIn this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Josh Pix, co-founder of Resolv, to unpack the complexities of service agreements in the SIL space. Josh provides actionable insights into avoiding common pitfalls, managing open agreements, handling emergencies, and ensuring financial sustainability while delivering exceptional participant care. This is an essential listen for SIL providers looking to strengthen their service agreements and protect their businesses.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Josh Pix from Resolv
01:20 – What Resolv does: Supporting SIL providers with rostering, claiming, and financial stability
03:00 – The risks of poor...
2025-03-2422 min
THE SDA HOUSING PODCASTEPISODE 288 - SILosophy Podcast #03: by Tania GomezThis is a special crossover podcast, by Tania Gomez, who has interviewed our team in the past. In this episode, we extract the audio of a vodcast (video podcast) from an interview in Brisbane in Dec 2024, in which Tania came to Brisbane to do lots of interviews and meetings with lots of NDIS businesses. We were lucky enough to be hand picked to come on her show, SILosophy to talk about SIL and SDA Housing, and where we see things evolving. If anyone wants to watch the video, click on the link below to watch aswell. ...
2025-03-1235 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 5 - Building a Brand as a SIL ProviderIn this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez sits down with Tommy Trout, founder of Disbranded and co-creator of SILosophy, to explore the critical role of branding in the NDIS sector. Tommy explains why branding is not just for big companies and how SIL providers can use storytelling, authenticity, and strategic design to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Whether you're just starting your SIL journey or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stand out.
Episode Highlights with Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Tommy Trout, founder of...
2025-03-1036 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 4 - Healthy SIL HomesIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania sits down with Scott Chapman, the visionary founder of Able Digital Wellness. They discuss how creating healthier Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes can lead to better outcomes for participants, support workers, and providers.
Scott shares the journey of founding Able Digital Wellness to improve the lives of his nephew and others in SIL, highlighting the importance of tailored exercise, nutrition, and wellness programs. The conversation dives into the role of transparent accountability, practical strategies for healthier living, and how providers can differentiate themselves by embracing wellness-focused approaches.
...
2025-02-2429 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 3 - Building SIL homesIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania sits down with Minh and Debbie from NDIS Property Australia to explore the evolving landscape of housing within the NDIS. They discuss the stark reality of the housing shortfall for participants who are not eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), the rise of innovative solutions like manor homes and apartments, and how providers can strategically address these gaps.
Whether you're a seasoned provider or new to the sector, this episode is packed with actionable insights into navigating SIL housing, working with investors, and future-proofing your business amidst ongoing NDIS c...
2025-02-1039 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 2 - The Real Cost of SILIn this episode of SILosophy, Tania sits down with Josh Picks from Resolv to discuss the pressing issues around rostering, claiming, and funding in the Supported Independent Living (SIL) space. With extensive experience working alongside SIL providers, Josh shares valuable insights into the systemic challenges and practical steps to reduce financial losses and improve participant outcomes.
Josh and Tania dive deep into how SIL providers can reclaim lost revenue by aligning funding, rostering, and claiming processes, and they explore how these improvements can directly translate into better care and support for participants.
...
2025-01-2719 min
The SILosophy’s PodcastSILosophy Episode 1 - Introduction to SILWelcome to the very first episode of SILosophy! Tania is joined by special guest Josh Grapes, founder of EQwell, to dive into the world of Supported Independent Living (SIL). This insightful conversation explores the foundations of SIL, the challenges and rewards of running a SIL business, and the importance of tailoring support to meet participant needs.
Josh shares his journey into the industry, offers advice for new SIL providers, and discusses the critical role of participant matching, risk management, and creating empowering environments. Whether you’re new to SIL or a seasoned provider, this episode is...
2025-01-1338 min