Location Spotlight: Living It Up in Merrylands

In our new Location Spotlight series, we'll be exploring some of the thriving neighbourhoods that Vertika's Specialist Disability Accommodation properties are rooted in. It doesn’t matter if you're a coffee connoisseur, a park enthusiast, or a community lover, Merrylands offers something for everyone. So, get ready to hit the pavement and live it up in what could be your new neighbourhood!

August 21, 2024

Welcome to Merrylands, a vibrant and multicultural suburb in Sydney's west! In our new Location Spotlight series, we'll be exploring some of the thriving neighbourhoods that Vertika's Specialist Disability Accommodation properties are rooted in.  

It doesn’t matter if you're a coffee connoisseur, a park enthusiast, or a community lover, Merrylands offers something for everyone. So, get ready to hit the pavement and live it up in what could be your new neighbourhood!

Fuel Your Day

When it comes to eating out in Merrylands, you'll be spoilt for choice. From hidden cafes serving up top-notch brews to restaurants offering global flavours, there's something to satisfy every craving.

  • Mase Cafe: This local haunt is known for its delicious brunches and friendly service. Their menu boasts everything from fluffy pancakes to hearty big brekkies, perfect for fueling your day.
  • Brimo's Cafe & Restaurant: Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Look no further than Brimo's. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, their menu features a variety of Italian and Middle Eastern favourites.
  • The Coolibah Hotel: This local hotspot is your go-to for classic Aussie pub food. Enjoy a coffee fix and relaxed atmosphere in the daytime. At night, get involved in trivia and karaoke, or maybe buy a winning ticket in a meat raffle.    

Get Active

Ready to burn off brunch? Staying active is easy in Merrylands, with a variety of parks, pools, and sporting facilities right on your doorstep. Whether you're looking for a leisurely wander around the park or a heart-pumping workout, you'll find the perfect place to get moving.

  • Merrylands Park: This sprawling park offers something for everyone. Take in the scenic trails, have a picnic under the shade of a gum tree, or let the kids loose in the playground.
  • Auburn Botanic Gardens: Explore diverse plant collections, including a native rainforest garden and a fragrant sunken rose garden. Relax by the lake with its resident ducks or fire up the BBQ facilities. There's even a bird aviary and an equal access playground for the kids. Don't forget to check out the annual Cherry Blossom Festival for a colourful display of springtime beauty!
  • Merrylands Swim Centre: Beat the heat with a refreshing dip at the Merrylands Swim Centre. Featuring a heated 50-meter outdoor pool and a heated children's pool, it's the perfect place for lane swimming or a family outing. If you’re a beginner, the centre also offers swimming lessons.
  • Merrylands Bowling Club: Looking for a social activity? Head to the Merrylands Bowling Club, where you can enjoy a game of bowls, a delicious meal, and friendly company.

Every August, visitors to Auburn Botanic Gardens can enjoy a 'slice of Japan' with the colourful cherry blossoms on full display.

Shop Til You Drop

Shopping enthusiasts will rejoice in Merrylands' diverse retail scene. From major shopping centres to hidden gems, you'll find everything you need, including everyday essentials and unique, one-off finds.

  • Stockland Merrylands: This large shopping centre is a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs. From fashion stores and homewares to supermarkets and electrical goods, you'll find everything you need here.
  • Parramatta Westfield: For a wider selection of high-street brands, department stores, and even a cinema, hop on a train to Parramatta Westfield, just a short ride away.
  • Flavours Inn: If you’re planning a special occasion and need a sweet treat, this family-owned custom cake shop is one of Merrylands’ best kept secrets. Don’t let the locals know we told you!  

Connect with Your Community

Merrylands boasts a thriving community spirit, with a variety of cultural events and activities on offer. From exploring your artistic side at a local creative hub to celebrating the new year in a civic square, there are plenty of ways to get involved and connect with your new neighbours.

  • Merrylands Civic Square: This $11 million state-of-the-art public space offers a place for community gatherings, events, and social activities. It features large trees, landscaped areas, art installations, picnic tables and benches, a water feature, and more. Keep an eye out for regular public events hosted in the square.  
  • Merrylands Library: This library offers a vast collection of books, magazines, and resources. They also host regular events like story time for kids and book clubs for adults.
  • Granville Centre Arts Gallery: Supported by the government funded Create NSW initiative, Granville Centre Arts Gallery is a short bus ride away and offers a wide range of innovative exhibitions, events and educational programs. It's a great place to meet like-minded people and explore your artistic side.

Disability Support with Cumberland City Council

Cumberland City Council is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for people living with disabilities. They offer a range of services that will assist you in navigating the NDIS, living independently, and participating fully in the local community.

More specifically, Cumberland City Council also runs a local Lifestyle and Leisure Links program, which gives NDIS participants between the ages of 18-64 the chance to get involved in a wide range of activities, including everything from horse riding and concert trips to indoor cricket and cruises.    

A Captivating Community Hub

Combining stylish apartments with vibrant shared living spaces, United for Care's next-generation Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) property is designed to be more than just a place to live – it's a captivating community hub in the heart of Merrylands.

United for Care's Merrylands SDA property defies the stereotype of institutional housing. W understand the importance of family, and unlike traditional SDA options, offer one, two and three-bedroom apartments; a game-changer for the families of people living with disabilities.  

Spacious living areas and accessible kitchens become the heart of family life, allowing people to connect and enjoy shared activities. Wide doorways, ramps, accessible bathrooms and the latest assistive tech ensure everyone can participate fully in the Merrylands experience.  

Two large communal rooftops offer opportunities for social gatherings, creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the individual apartments. The Merrylands open day exemplified this spirit, with participants, families, support staff and members of the NDIS network coming together under one big roof to celebrate a new focal point in the local community.  

Living Beyond the Apartment

Merrylands offers a vibrant and inclusive community that extends far beyond the walls of your apartment. With its delicious food scene, exhilarating activities, and strong support network, Merrylands is a place where you can truly thrive.

If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of a next-generation SDA home in a new and exciting neighbourhood, United for Care is ready to make that dream a reality. Whether you’re looking for High Physical Support, or Improved Liveability, we’ll help you find your perfect spot. 

You can streamline your Sydney SDA house hunt by talking to one of our friendly NDIS experts today:

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