When co-founders of Stellar Experiences, Bronte Hendricks and Luke Muttdon approached MMJ’s Town Planning Department, the pair were interested in introducing their services to the Illawarra region following recent success in response to their establishment in the Sydney area.
Stellar Experiences, a disability service provider, offers support services specifically for adolescents and young adults aged 16-35 years old, with a focus on providing encouragement and empowerment. Support services include individualised 1:1 supports, group-based social outings, capacity building programs and opportunities for our guests to explore life beyond their homes and improve their independence.
In 2022, Stellar Experiences were presented with the opportunity to operate their business from 1 Hinchinbrook Drive, Shell Cove which had been previously utilised by KidzWish as an administrative centre. The establishment of a permanent site in the Illawarra came with plans to increase Stellar Experiences’ services, with a desire for the new Shell Cove site to offer the following services:
- General day-to-day administration,
- Skill building programs and workshops,
- Social events for clients, and
- Independent skills breaks which would involve overnight stays so that clients can develop living out of home skills.
Well informed and experienced in the area of disability support, Bronte and Luke had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve, however, how they were going to achieve this was an area which they were seeking guidance on. In 2023, Stellar Experiences engaged MMJ to assist by preparing a Development Application (DA) to seek formal consent from Shellharbour Council to operate their business by way of a change of use and internal building alterations.
The new land use to be undertaken by Stellar Experiences constituted as a respite day care centre and transitional group home, these uses are defined as follows:
respite day care centre
means a building or place that is used for the care of seniors or people who have a disability and that does not provide overnight accommodation for people other than those related to the owner or operator of the centre.
and a
group home (transitional) or transitional group home
means a dwelling—
(a) that is occupied by persons as a single household with or without paid supervision or care and whether or not those persons are related or payment for board and lodging is required, and
(b) that is used to provide temporary accommodation for the relief or rehabilitation of people with a disability or for drug or alcohol rehabilitation purposes, or that is used to provide half-way accommodation for persons formerly living in institutions or temporary accommodation comprising refuges for men, women or young people,
On June 14, 2024, Shellharbour Council granted consent to undertake this land use and the associated works at the subject site.
With the recent approval, Stellar experiences can now offer services to assist these people so that they can gradually build their independence to attend larger and exciting trips.
These services could be lifechanging to a person and their families and may be the difference between spending their lives forever with a carer / living at home with their parents or living on their own and existing in society with confidence. Stellar Experiences fill a crucial gap that is not currently addressed by other providers in the area.
To be included as part of Stellar Experience’s business establishment in the Illawarra was a highly rewarding job and a wonderful opportunity. MMJ look forward to seeing Stellar Experience continue to grow and succeed in the region and surrounds.