Estia Foundation of Australia
FAITHLOVEHOPE
Caring for people with special needs
Estia provides short term overnight accommodation and permanent group-home accommodation for young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Estia is a registered provider with the NDIS and provides services to NDIS participants.
Estia is also a registered charity with ACNC and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) which means it can receive tax deductible donations for its charitable work.
Estia is not affiliated with Estia Health - which is an ASX listed, public company providing aged care services. Estia Health is not a registered charity or Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
Thank you Costi Brothers
On Saturday, 29th October 2022, Costi Bros Seafood in Roselands Marketplace held a fund raiser for our residents with disabilities. All proceeds made on that day from their hot food bar was kindly donated to Estia.
Once again we profoundly thank Costi Bros Seafood for their continued support and generosity. A fabulous seafood market with the freshest ocean produce.
St Andrews House
Gladesville
Estia has two group homes for permanent living in Gladesville, St Andrews House and Estia House. Permanent accommodation allows independence and a sense ...
Elpida House
Roselands
Elpida House in Roselands is a respite home offering short-term overnight accommodation. The respite programs are an important service for both clients and ...
Estia House
Gladesville
Estia has two group homes for permanent living in Gladesville, Estia House and St Andrews House. Both are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and ...
Lixouri House
North Ryde
Lixouri House offers group home permanent living. All Group Home facilities are clean and modern with up-to-date equipment and boast professional cooks ...
News and Events
February 2023
Our residents dancing to Zorba the Greek.
The first Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of every month, our residents combine for church service in the morning, followed by a BBQ at lunch.
Star of the Sea
Recently a group of our Estia residents and carers went on a getaway to 'Star of the Sea' in Terrigal. The residents enjoyed swimming, dining out and socialising.
Despite the weather, residents still managed to use the heated pool at Star of the Sea. The residents stayed in ocean view apartments, where the views were incredibly breathtaking. An enjoyable time for all those who went along.
More images in the Gallery.
Second Bledisloe Cup Test Match Celebration
To celebrate the second Bledisloe Cup test match over the weekend, our Estia House Group Home decided to decorate the facility in support of the All Blacks. Both residents and staff were involved in the spirit of the game, with some staff originally born in New Zealand.
All had a great time! More images in the Gallery.
Auburn Botanical Gardens and Fauna Reserve
Residents of the Estia Foundation of Australia are still managing to enjoy open spaces despite COVID-19.
These images were taken recently as some residents visited the Auburn Botanical Gardens and Fauna Reserve where they saw peacocks, kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
A wonderful way to spend the morning outdoors.
More images in the Gallery.
Registered COVIDSafe disability provider
The Estia Foundation of Australia is a registered COVIDSafe disability provider. A copy of the Estia Foundation's COVID Safety Plan can be obtained by request or can be accessible in all Estia facilities. We welcome two visitors at any one time, however, we do ask that these visitors agree to wear a mask, sign into the Estia facility by documenting their name as well as mobile number and must have a temperature check performed by an Estia staff member. In addition, visitors need to answer a COVIDSafe Questionnaire upon entering any Estia facility.
Both Estia staff and visitors are to refrain from entering any facility if they present with a temperature higher than 37.5, have any cold/flu symptoms including a sore throat and runny nose, loss of senses, diarrhoea, nausea or any other symptom stipulated by the NSW Government as being possibly associated to COVID-19. Such individuals will be asked to get tested and will be asked to remain isolated until they obtain and present to Estia authorised COVIDSafe clearance.
The Estia Foundation of Australia sincerely thanks you all for working in collaboration to keep everyone safe. Further information can be obtained by phoning head office.
Estia's architect Angelo Candalepas on building design
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will support $700 million in specialist disability accommodation payments annually, creating opportunity for the private sector to deliver new specialist dwellings.
Knowing that thoughtful design, light and space plays an essential role in the health and wellbeing of inhabitants, Estia House St Andrews provides such a model—balancing the need for independence and care.
'People are the only important thing', architect Angelo Candalepas says of the building’s design process.
'The key to the project is a focus on community.'
Medal of the Order of the Christ-Loving
On Sunday, 19th January 2020, our much respected Chief Operations Officer, Mrs Helen Tzikas, was awarded the Medal of the Order of the Christ-Loving by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios for her tireless work in assisting those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Helen was given this award for being a person of high moral standards, living a life of good conscience and for her dedication to the Church and to the ideals of our Nation.
We take this opportunity to congratulate Helen on this achievement and all involved at the Estia Foundation of Australia are very proud of her.
New Navmans
All the Navmans in the transporters have been upgraded to the newest technology. This will allow staff to more readily find locations, take the shortest route when transporting the residents to work and day programs, especially in summer. Staff will be able to find sporting venues, clubs, parks etc more easily and with his technology all residents can go on group outings in different transporters and staff can still 'communicate' with one another via location, without the danger of using mobiles.
Visit from NSW Disability Minister
The Hon. Gareth Ward MP and Mr Mark Coure MP, member for Oatley. Both gentlemen paid a visit to the historic site at 52 Waratah St Blakehurst to view the progress of the restoration of the Kyle Williams Home. The project has cost 1.8 million of monies thus far, from fundraising and donations. Once completed, the heritage house will provide permanent accommodation for 5 individuals with disabilities. The acres of land, tranquil bush and water views are ideal for young adults with disabilities who also suffer from challenging behaviours and complex needs.
Night Out With Elton Jack and Rdd Stuart
Clients, residents and staff of the Estia Foundation of Australia were thoroughly entertained at North Ryde RSL by an almost Elton John and Rod Stewart.
There was lots of laughter, dancing and singing.
After the show, the entertainers came and greeted each and everyone from our organisation and Alan scored their autographs.
Well worth going to see this show!
GALLERY
Blakehurst Project
Our newest project on the waterfront in Blakehurst was surely a gift from God. The story of how this beautiful, serene property came to Estia, began almost 80 years ago.
A trust was established under the will of Caroline Milne Williams in 1939. The Will directed that the trustee hold the property on the George's River on trust, in order to convert the property into 'a convalescent home for children', to be known as 'The Kyle Williams home'.
In 2011, the Estia Foundation was approached by Mr George Bouteris, who informed Estia's Management that tenders were being called for any organisation who would be interested in using the property, situated in Blakehurst for the purpose of providing care, support and rehabilitation for children suffering from any illness or from psychological or intellectual disability. Tenders would be presented to the Supreme Court for an official ruling where the judge would examine all cases and present the verdict based on the tender that complies with the wishes of the will left by Caroline Milne Williams.
Some 30 tenders were submitted and with the assistance of James Jordan at Jordan Djundja Lawyers, the Estia Foundation was successful in its bid, with the Supreme Court ruling for Estia to obtain the waterfront land. With this land now secured, the Estia Foundation is making initial steps to fulfil its proposal and establish day programs, respite facilities and group homes on the land for children and adults with disabilities.
At present, Professor Angelo Candalepas and his team at Candalepas Associates are drafting architectural plans and conducting community consultations with the aim of submitting an application for approval to commence renovation and building.
Stage One Construction
Kyle Williams home - Heritage House is currently under restoration.
Once completed this will house five individuals in permanent living in a beautiful tranquil setting.
The restoration is Stage One of the project.
When Stage One is complete Stages Two and Three will ensue.
Two cottages will be built to compliment the main house and when completed will allow Estia to offer 10 more placements for individuals with disabilities.
Mission Statement
To support and enhance the lives of individuals of diverse backgrounds with intellectual and physical disabilities by provision of quality services and a person-centred approach.
Funding
Estia operates its services by providing care for people who are NDIS participants. To enable Estia to continue this high standard of service, Estia relies heavily on fundraising and donations.
Estia has been recognized and acknowledged by government departments, peer organisations and families in the community for its high standard of care and facilities.
Estia has changed our lives. We can now go away and know Emma is safe. They have cared for Emma for four weeks straight and during that time we were able to go overseas - and that, for us, is priceless.
I walk away feeling a bit sad that I can't take my girl with me, but feel relieved that I don't have to worry about her one bit when she is there. They know Emma so well and they have a good understanding of what we want as parents and that is very important to us.
I had a lady from ADHC (a service for people with disabilities) who found Estia for me and we have been going there for a couple of years. To be honest with you it was the best thing that happened to me.
I am a full-time carer - 24/7 - and I can't just go to the shops or anywhere else. At least when she is at Estia I can do the things I need to do.
I'd like to express my gratitude, not only for what you have done for my brother Kosta, but for our family as a whole. A day does not go by that I don't thank God for your intervention, support and existence, when everything suddenly came crashing down.
Every family member with a disabled child worries about who will care for them once they are gone. The reality of this was an impossible concept for my mother to consider. Nothing could happen to her because she had my brother to look after.
Every time I look at my brother I am in awe of who he has become. His independence and strength astounds me and this is because of what you have done for him.
Some of our Major Supporters
Donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. Please help us continue our work.