Distinctive Options

21/12/2025

As we come to the end of 2025, our CEO Andre Carvalho has shared an end-of-year message with participants, families and carers.

This year marked 40 years of Distinctive Options, a milestone shaped by the people we support, their families, carers and our staff. While 2025 brought challenges across the NDIS and required some difficult decisions, it was also a year of renewal and moments we are deeply proud of across Sunbury, Bairnsdale, Bendigo and Brimbank.

We invite you to read the full message here: https://www.distinctiveoptions.com.au/about-us/latest-news

Thank you for being part of the Distinctive Options community, and wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

19/12/2025

As we sign off on another year of Group Supports, the team who coordinate group activities at Distinctive Options in Sunbury would like to thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year.

To our valued participants, we hope you’ve felt supported, encouraged, and inspired to work towards your individual goals through our range of innovative activities and programs.

We’re excited to welcome you back in the New Year with some exciting new programs, alongside all your ongoing favourites.

To our amazing support staff, words can’t express our appreciation for your dedication, commitment, and the important work you do every day.

Beth, Elena and Louise (left to right) wish all of you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄✨

19/12/2025

🎉 Thank You for an Incredible 2025 🎉

From all of us at Distinctive Options Brimbank, thank you for your continued support throughout 2025.

We are incredibly proud to be a tenant partner at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, working together with a shared commitment to supporting Melbourne’s North-West communities.

We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, safe, and joyful festive season and look forward to welcoming our participants back to services on Monday, 12 January 2026.

19/12/2025

Merry Christmas from everyone at Distinctive Options Bendigo! 🎄

We would like to sincerely thank our participants, carers, families, staff, and community partners for your ongoing support throughout the year. Together, we’ve shared another meaningful year working towards a more inclusive community—one where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and joyful festive season and look forward to welcoming our participants back to services on Monday, 12 January.

Thank you for being part of our journey 💙

19/12/2025

Merry Christmas from Sunbury's Ladies' Day Out group!

Kiara, Katherine, Corinne, Amelia and Erin from Distinctive Options Sunbury made the most of a beautiful sunny day to celebrate the season with a bit of dress-up, plenty of Christmas cheer and lots of laughter.

As the final get-together for 2025, it was a chance to celebrate the friendships formed throughout the year and to look forward to many more adventures together in 2026. 💛

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful festive season!

18/12/2025

Paint and Sip Night! ✨

What better way to celebrate the season than with a creative and social night filled with painting and mocktails? 🎨🍹

Participants from our Sunbury service at Distinctive Options came together for a pre-Christmas Extended Hours activity, getting into the festive spirit with Christmas hats, themed T-shirts, and plenty of cheer. 🎄

Alongside great company and laughter, everyone created their own colourful Christmas tree painting to take home — making it a truly vibrant night full of smiles and festive fun!

Our Extended Hours program gives participants the opportunity to enjoy engaging, social activities beyond the usual day-to-day schedule, building connection and confidence in a relaxed environment.

👉 Learn more about our Group based activities here:
https://www.distinctiveoptions.com.au/our-services/group-supports

17/12/2025

Our independent living support never stops — no matter the season. 🎄

If you receive Independent Living Support (ILS) to help manage your daily needs, you know how important it is to have reliable support at all times — including during special holidays like Christmas.

In Sunbury, Deb (Coordinator) and Taryn (Assistant Coordinator) work closely together to oversee both Independent Living Supports and Residential Support.

With essential staffing already in place for those who need it, you can enjoy the festive season with peace of mind, knowing support is always available when needed.

Thank you for placing your trust in us and for choosing Distinctive Options as your registered NDIS provider.

✨ Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and joyous Christmas and a happy New Year ✨

17/12/2025

🌏 A Visit to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion – Bendigo 🌏

Located in Bendigo, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is the largest stupa in the Western world and one of Buddhism’s most sacred structures.

The stupa provides a beautiful space for quiet reflection, surrounded by tranquil gardens and peaceful surroundings.

Recently, the Community Access Group from Distinctive Options Bendigo enjoyed a visit to this iconic cultural attraction, taking time to explore and unwind in the calm atmosphere.

The site features accessible walking paths throughout the grounds and the Peace Park, which celebrates harmony and inclusion through symbols representing many faiths, including Catholic, Sikh, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

A truly inspiring place that promotes peace, reflection and connection for everyone. 🌿✨

16/12/2025

✨ Extended Hours Program ✨

Our Extended Hours program gives participants the chance to enjoy fun and social activities outside the usual day-to-day schedule. From catching a movie with friends 🎬, enjoying a pub meal 🍽️, to watching live sport 🏉—there’s something for everyone!

Recently, Dakota, Anthony and Ben joined in the Christmas carols at the Sunbury Bowling Club 🎄🎶. Dakota especially loved dancing and singing along to the songs, bringing lots of energy and smiles to the night!

We love seeing our participants connect, have fun, and create great memories 💙

14/12/2025

12/12/2025

Wow – what a night! 🎉

Our Open Studio event at Distinctive Options Sunbury was bursting with creativity 🎨, music 🎶, and community spirit 🤝. We sold over $1,200 worth of stunning artwork 💖, and every cent went straight back to the talented artists who made it all possible 👏.

The atmosphere was electric ⚡ thanks to amazing live performances by Chris and Sarah 🎤, and Master Chef 👨‍🍳 kept everyone smiling with mouth-watering catering 😋 that guests couldn’t stop talking about!

A huge congratulations to our award winners 🏆:
Ashlyn – CEO’s Choice Award for her breathtaking ‘Owl’ 🦉 painting.
Erin – Best Ceramic Piece for her beautiful photo frame 🖼️.
Steven – Best Painting/Drawing for his incredible ‘Night of a Thousand Worrell’s’ 🌌.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this night unforgettable 💫.
📸 Want to see the magic for yourself? Check out the photos!

10/12/2025

Home Grown Goodness! 🌱😍

Love your veggies? Why not try growing your own?

Katherine and her friends at Distinctive Options Sunbury have been busy planting a beautiful variety of vegetable seedlings — and with a little TLC, they’ll be flourishing in no time!

Our raised garden beds are designed for easy access and feature permeable terracotta pots that slowly release water over time. That means less frequent watering and peace of mind knowing the veggies will stay happy and hydrated even when we’re away. 👍💧

Thanks for the wonderful tour, Katherine! 🌿✨