An exciting new chapter for Gorman House in Yarrawonga

PALS is proud to announce an exciting new chapter for Gorman House, with the home now officially welcoming Supported Independent Living (SIL) participants. While Gorman House has long been a warm, welcoming space for Short Term Accommodation (STA) and respite, this transition marks an important expansion in how we support people with disability to live more independently, with the right help in the right environment.

Yesterday, we celebrated the launch of Gorman House as a SIL-ready home. Although several beds will continue to be dedicated to short-term respite stays, providing the same safe, comfortable and engaging environment families have come to trust, we are now committing three to four permanent beds for SIL placements.

A home designed for comfort, stability and growth

Much like our approach to STA, Gorman House offers a calm, fully accessible and beautifully maintained home where participants can build confidence and connection. With structured supports, opportunities for skill development, and a focus on meaningful daily living, Gorman House is well-suited for people seeking a supportive long-term living environment.

During the launch, several families and participants were invited to tour the home, meet our team, and learn about the SIL pathway and key eligibility requirements. The conversations were warm, honest and deeply valued. The information shared by Kate, our PALS Support Coordinator, was particularly well received, offering clarity on what SIL looks like day-to-day and how we tailor supports to each resident’s needs.

Supporting families through important transitions

One of the most powerful moments from the day was hearing directly from ageing parents who are navigating the emotional and practical challenges of planning long-term living arrangements for their adult children. Their openness reinforced just how important it is for organisations like PALS to provide real, practical pathways forward—pathways that bring families peace of mind and help participants build independence in a stable, nurturing environment.

Thank you to the team

A huge thank you to Emma, Julie, Kate and Jaimee for the significant effort that went into the launch. Your preparation, warmth and commitment ensured families felt informed and supported. Emma and Julie have already begun following up with those who were unable to attend, and we will soon schedule additional tours and information sessions for anyone wanting to learn more.

Looking ahead

The transition of Gorman House from purely Short Term Accommodation to a mixed STA–SIL model is an important milestone for PALS. It reflects our ongoing dedication to offering flexible, person-centred options that evolve with the needs of participants and their families.

If you would like to learn more about SIL placements at Gorman House, explore eligibility, or arrange a tour, please reach out; our team is here to help every step of the way.