Dominique is thriving at her SIL house—proving how the right support can change everything.
For 29-year-old Dominique, life at Sunnyfield’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) house in Sydney’s north, has been a journey of growth, joy, and rediscovered confidence. This has been anchored by a strong support network, loving family, and a special bond with her support worker, Solange. Diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, Dominique faces complex physical and communication challenges, including scoliosis, epilepsy, and osteoporosis.
However her father, David, has witnessed a remarkable transformation since she moved into her Sunnyfield house. “Dominique’s previous residence wasn’t a good fit,” David shared. “Now, she’s surrounded by women she relates to—and the difference is palpable. She’s finding richness and joy in her life alongside her severe disability.”
A key part of that joy? Swimming. “Swimming was always her happy place,” said David. “Getting her back in the pool has reignited that joy. It’s not just exercise—it’s confidence, freedom, and connection with her carer. She’s even using her Meywalker (an aid to support standing and walking) more often now, which we believe is a ripple effect from swimming.”
Solange, who began supporting Dominique at her day program years ago and now also supports her at home, plays a pivotal role in these moments of progress. “We’ve built a strong connection,” said Solange. “She can’t speak, but I understand her body language. I used to hold her in the water, but now—with physio guidance—I give her space. She bounces, laughs, and explores freely.
Watching her confidence bloom has been beautiful.” The turning point came when Dominique began floating independently—without a pool noodle or Solange’s hands. “That moment… she was so free,” Solange recalled. “It felt like all the consistency and trust we’d built had paid off.”
Dominique’s SIL house home and lifestyle lead Maggie, who started her Sunnyfield journey just months before Dom moved in, has also been deeply involved. “Dom and I were both adjusting to change together,” Maggie said. “Her challenges are real, but so is her resilience. We’ve built a team that goes above and beyond—whether it’s adding a second swim day or taking her to the ocean pool at Collaroy beach.
It takes a village, and our village is strong.” For David, this environment is more than supportive—it’s life-affirming. “There’s deep trust,” he said. “I see the care in staff interactions, the calmness in Dom’s demeanor, the affection from housemates. We may not know how her condition will evolve, but I know she’s in capable, loving hands. That brings tears to my eyes—and hope to my heart.”
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