A new chapter for inclusion and accountability
Sunnyfield welcomes the Final Report of the Disability Royal Commission, and we share in its vision. An Australia where people with disability live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
We are committed to contributing to the Commission’s goals by strengthening how we listen, act, and uphold the rights of people with disability to live with dignity, equality and respect.
“Sunnyfield stands with people with disability, their families and carers, in calling for meaningful change and accountability across our sector.”
— Karen Ingram, Chair of the Board
Our apology
Sunnyfield acknowledges the failings that were raised during the Royal Commission and offers an unreserved apology to clients, families and carers for the harm that occurred.
We accept that, in relation to the shared independent living home in Western Sydney, Sunnyfield did not have the adequate systems, oversight or processes in place to prevent harm.
When these issues came to light, Sunnyfield took immediate action:
- The two staff members involved were suspended and subsequently terminated.
- Police and relevant authorities were notified.
- Additional external reviews were commissioned.
Sunnyfield also acknowledges that earlier public responses did not fully convey the seriousness of the matter, and we regret the delay in offering a formal apology.
Taking action and driving improvement
Since 2021, Sunnyfield has introduced a series of reforms to strengthen governance, transparency and safeguards across all services.
Inclusive governance
- A Client Rights and Safeguarding Committee has been established, including Board and family members, ensuring lived experience informs decisions.
- The Board, CEO and senior leaders visit services regularly to meet clients, families and staff, listening firsthand to feedback and concerns.
Strengthening safety and quality
- A dedicated Client Safeguarding Team, independent from service delivery, oversees investigations and ensures incidents are reviewed promptly and thoroughly.
- A new Complaints and Incident Management System has been implemented, offering multiple reporting options including anonymous and external whistleblower channels.
- A Quality Assurance Team conducts regular audits and provides governance reporting to the Board.
Investing in our people
- Recruitment and onboarding have been redesigned to ensure new employees reflect Sunnyfield’s values and commitment to safeguarding.
- Mandatory training for all staff now includes human rights, trauma-informed practice, and client voice and choice.
- The Board and senior leadership team participate in external safeguarding and governance training to maintain accountability.
Client choice and rights
- Service agreements have been rewritten in plain English to clearly outline client rights, responsibilities and feedback processes.
- Clients and families can transition to the new agreements or retain existing arrangements.
- Sunnyfield continues to invite suggestions and feedback to inform further improvement.
Continuing our commitment
Sunnyfield recognises that reform and cultural change require sustained effort. We remain committed to:
- implementing recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission,
- collaborating with government and sector partners to strengthen safeguarding frameworks, and
- ensuring client voice, choice and control remain central to all operations.
“We are determined to learn from the past and apply those lessons to ensure the highest standards of safety, respect and inclusion for all people we support.”
— Andrew Hyland, Chief Executive Officer
Looking ahead
Sunnyfield’s commitment extends beyond compliance — it is about building a culture of trust, transparency and shared accountability.
Through collaboration with families, clients, staff and partners, we will continue to enhance our systems and foster environments where every person feels safe, heard and valued.
Contact
For more information or to provide feedback:
1300 588 688, enquiries@sunnyfield.org.au, sunnyfield.org.au.
