Proud representative … Remy, 26, who works at Parliament House, loves living in his own place through Project Independence. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The very best thing about Remy’s job at Parliament House is the people, he says.
The 26-year-old says it’s an “incredible honour” to meet and greet visitors as they arrive in the foyer of Australia’s centre of democracy.
“I like to make sure my visitors feel very welcome and enjoy their experience,” says Remy, who works five days a week as a visitor concierge support officer.
“I like working there because I’m doing it for the people. People have so much passion for politics.
“I like that I’m representing the people of Australia – I’m representing everyone.”
Remy*, born with Down Syndrome, particularly loves when school kids come in and he can impart his knowledge of parliament’s workings and help navigate them around the expansive building.
After three years in the job, he says “there’s nothing I don’t like about it”.
And while he tactfully declares he doesn’t have a strong opinion on politics, Remy admits to having a few favourites among the many politicians he’s met over the years.
“I really like (Independent Senator for the ACT and former rugby union player) David Pocock; he is just such a genuine guy,” Remy says.
“I’ve also met the Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese) more than once … he’s got to know me pretty well.”
After a busy day at the office, Remy catches public transport home to Phillip where he likes to kick back in his unit and watch his favourite wrestling shows on television: “Yes I know it’s fake, I’m not going to deny that,” he laughs.
Remy is one of 10 residents who live in the third of Canberra’s innovative social housing developments for people with intellectual disabilities, built by Project Independence.
The model, which aims to prepare and provide pathways to home ownership for residents, was founded by Canberra businessman and Aspen Medical executive chair Glenn Keys (AO) who was driven to help his own son, with an intellectual disability, live out his dream for independence.
Since its inception in 2014, Project Independence has built 30 units across three developments at Phillip, Latham and Harrison, with new projects underway in capital cities across Australia.
The units, partially financed through a resident’s Disability Support Pension (DSP), are designed to be safe and accessible with a live-in coordinator on site. Each unit includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, living space and courtyard with larger communal kitchen and living spaces for residents to congregate and share meals together if they wish.
The model is designed to foster independence and social interaction blended with privacy, says Project Independence operations manager Steven Giorgioni.
Residents are able to add their own personal touches and make changes to their units.
Seventy-five per cent of a resident’s DSP is paid to Project Independence (which covers everything), 11 per cent of that goes into equity, according to Steven.
“It’s an incentive to have pride and ownership in their home and it’s working towards something,” he says.
Steven, who has worked in the disability space for 35 years, says there’s nothing like the Project Independence model for building confidence and the skills needed to live independently.
“We see parents, who have cared for and protected their children their whole lives, feeling unsure and worried if they’ll cope,” he says.
“There’s a story I love to tell about one girl who used to say, ‘I’m going home for the weekend’ but after a couple of months she’d tell us, ‘I’m going to Mum and Dad’s for the weekend but I’ll be home on Monday’ and that made me tear up. This is what it’s about!”
As for the bubbly Remy, he says his family has been surprised and is “beyond proud” of what he’s achieved since he moved out two years ago.
“Mum and Dad weren’t sure how I’d cope but now they just can’t believe how happy I am,” he says.
“And, if I can be truthful, I have to say they’ve grown in independence too – I’ve taught them how to be independent walking our dogs and hanging out the washing!”
When he’s not busy at Parliament House, Remy loves practising piano, going off to the gym and secretly relishing the fact he doesn’t have to share the television with his dad anymore.
He loves living in his own place and building friendships in the supportive “family” he’s found through Project Independence.
“I’ve really grown in confidence and one of the things I’m most proud of is how well I get along with others – I like to think I’m a loyal person who is very respectful and non-judgemental.
“I truly believe I’m inspiring other people with any disability to get out there and go for it.”
Find out more about Project Independence.
* Name withheld on request.
