21/03/2026
“I am strong.” - Diane Harvey
At 51, Diane has built a life filled with independence, creativity, and strong connections. She has been part of The Housing Connection (THC) community for over 30 years, and in that time, it has become more than just support — it has become home.
Born with Down syndrome, Diane has faced challenges throughout her life, but she has never faced them alone. She shares a deep bond with her family, friends and support staff, and speaks warmly of the people around her.
Diane’s life is full, active, and meaningful. Once a month, she volunteers with the City of Ryde, handing out flowers and distributing brochures. She also visits Boonah to express her creativity with painting and even creating pieces that she gifted to her family.
One of the most important influences in Diane’s life has been her mother, who she misses deeply. Diane fondly remembers walking to the shops with her and sharing apple turnover together. Her mother was not only her greatest supporter, but also her strongest advocate — someone who taught Diane how to be independent. Over time, Diane transitioned into living independently, creating a life of her own. Now living at William Street, she proudly calls it her “home for life.”
The past year has not been easy. Losing her mother was incredibly difficult, and Diane has had to learn how to navigate life without her. With the support of staff, she has worked through her grief and continues to grow stronger each day.
Independence for Diane means continuing to learn and build confidence. With the help of her speech pathologist, she has created a personal scrapbook, where she documents her routines, relationships and daily life. This helps her stay organised and better understand her support network. She enjoys cooking healthy meals like stir fry with veggies, chicken and fried rice, and is becoming more mindful of her body.
Diane has experienced many proud moments, including travelling overseas with her mum. She spent three weeks in New York, and has also visited Belfast, connecting with her Irish heritage. More recently, she travelled to Queensland on a supported holiday in 2024.
For Diane, THC is more than just a service, it’s a community. She loves the opportunities it provides to connect with others, and participate in social events like BBQs, birthdays and Supported Holidays. She also shares strong connections with her housemates at William Street.
