The Silver Shack
Updated: Jun 26, 2020
When I embarked on an outing to check out The Silver Shack, I had no idea this adventure
would take me on a 4WD tour through the sandy fire breaks of Burrum Heads. Just like unwrapping a present or drawing open curtains on a winters morning, The Silver Shack property, some 160 acres, emerges out of the sandy wattle lined track. At the moment hosting a lovely green setting with lots of feed for the horses, sheep, miniature cows & feathered pets.
This adventure started when I received a post shared of The Silver Shack. Which of course is how many of my adventures start. In true Jussy style I don't research, I like the mysterfy of what I will discover when I get there. On this occasion I was not disappointed..
The Silver Shack offer NDIS respite care for disability clients. Respite can be for a morning, an afternoon, an overnight or however long the client wishes. Their staycation at The Silver Shack will be tailored to the individual. This may include fishing, feeding the farm animals, relaxing around a camp fire, 4WD, bird watching and day trips, cooking activities & anything really that the client has on their goals.
Roslyn Western is the lady behind The Silver Shack, "We want our clients to enjoy themselves and come back feeling like they have been on holiday with us. Fully qualified, experienced, fully insured care provider."
I must admit, I got quite excited when I arrived and started my tour with feeding Simon, a 7
year old Standard Breed horse and his little white pony friend Lilly. Then I discovered the collection of horse drawn carriages, over 100 years old, and on offer to take clients for a ride - oh my, I think I will stay just to have a ride in the Queen Victoria carriage or the Doctors Carriage with the dicky seat. All of which are in full working order.
The Silver Shack itself is an airconditioned small home, and clad in tin, which is where it got it's name from. Rustic on the outside and comfortable on the inside. The accommodation is clean and homely. It has a verandah for sunrise and another at the rear for sunset, and limitless places to relax outside depending on the weather and your interests. But don't feel like a respite visit here means a lot of activity, it is your stay, so you set your pace. If the aircon and TV is calling you, then it is your time to use the facilities how you wish. Maybe get Roslyn to whip you up a freshly baked goody and just get a bit of pampering.
I encourage NDIS participants to consider a respite, utilising the core budget overnight short term accommodation category, which has a rate of up to $1400 per night. It will not necessarily cost a participant $1400, but this is the figure that the NDIS uses to calculate overnight short term accommodation.
Contact The Silver Shack to have a visit to inspect and if you are happy with what is on offer, simply ask them to tailor a package of activities & a price for your customised stay.
Get in touch with The Silver Shack on facebook here.
If you have a positive respite experience somewhere in the Fraser Coast, contact Jussy at everythingfrasercoast@gmail.com to share your story - I would love to share your experiences with everyone.
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Everything Fraser Coast, positive storyteller of the Fraser Coast Region, contact Jussy if you would like to be featured. It only costs your time. Jussy 0497 733773
