Highlights: A Year of Independence, Art and Community

Reflecting on the year at Bayley House, we are proud to share some of the highlights across Bayley House and our wider community.

Please enjoy this summary which showcases significant strides in specialised housing, skill development and the success of the people we support.

Building Futures: Specialised Housing Milestones

Bayley House is progressing on its Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) initiatives, focused on providing residents with greater choice and control over their living environments.

• The start of construction on a new SDA home was officially marked with a Sod-Turning Ceremony, signifying a key step toward creating a purpose-built home designed for accessibility and independence.
• The journey towards these customised homes began with a celebratory event, Celebrating the First Step, where families met their future co-designed SDA housemates, beginning the vital process of building friendships and community before moving in.

Skills for Life: New Programs & Skill Building Success

2025 saw new programs empower clients with practical, real world skills aimed at boosting independence and employment readiness.

• The Garden to Plate Program was launched to teach clients about sustainable food practices, nutrition, gardening and cooking. Made possible by a generous donation from the Gandel Foundation, the program supports healthier, independent living choices.
• The Cert II in Hospitality course is equipping clients with skills in hospitality. The program is leading to tangible outcomes, with some graduates aiming to move into paid employment or gaining experience running the B52 café at Middle Crescent.

Bayley Arts: Creativity, Equity and Accessibility

Bayley Arts continued to be a vibrant space for expression, professional development and community inclusion.

• Bayley Arts Film Studios hit the red carpet for the first ever Bayley Arts Short Film Festival. The event, held at Palace Cinemas Church Street, was a sell out with many members of the Bayley House community turning out to show their support for the filmmakers.
• The powerful story of Teresa’s Journey highlights the transition from the NDIS art program to becoming a co-teacher in a public drypoint etching workshop for Bayside Creatives Month. Critically, she was paid the same professional artist fee as her co-teacher, emphasising the commitment to art for all and inclusion for Bayley Artists in the professional art world.
• The Around the Table Book Launch and Exhibition celebrated the debut of the Bayley Arts Community Cookbook through a group exhibition that merged art, food and community collaboration.
• In a move to increase dignity and community participation, Bayley Arts proudly opened its Changing Places Bathroom to the public. This fully accessible facility, featuring a hoist and adult change table, is the only one of its kind in Highett.

True Community Inclusion

The commitment of Bayley House clients within the wider community was formally recognised as Jimmy Duchini was named as Bayside City Council Volunteer of the Year 2025. Affectionately known as the ‘Mayor of Church Street,’ Jimmy was recognised for his tireless daily volunteer efforts assisting local businesses and being an integral part of his community.

The year has wrapped up in true Bayley House style, with our Christmas Concert. We saw the largest crowd ever join us at Brighton Grammar for the return of this much anticipated event. The All Stars took to the stage and pulled off yet another super star performance.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme had an incredible year, onboarding several new businesses and organisations. This ensures that many different public and private spaces are sunflower friendly and can provide the extra support required for those with hidden disabilities.

The year was capped off by Hidden Disabilities and Bayley House jointly exhibiting at the Melbourne Disability Expo, proudly sharing the partnership with the wider community.

Bayley House in 2025

Every achievement, whether it is it highly visible or a smaller moment of success, confirms that when people are fully supported, the entire community becomes stronger.

Thank you to the people we support for their enthusiasm, to our families and carers for their unwavering support and to our staff for their dedication that goes above and beyond. And thank you to our community who understand exactly how important Bayley House is.

See you in 2026 as we celebrate 75 years of Bayley House!