In this episode of SILosophy, Tania Gomez sits down with Stephen Fakeney, CEO of Hilltop Caring, to explore what it really takes to be a successful SIL provider. With over 25 years in disability accommodation and experience in both the construction and service delivery sides of SIL, Stephen shares valuable lessons for new and existing providers, covering financial sustainability, innovation, collaboration, and the future of SIL in 2025.   Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome back to SILosophy with guest Stephen Fakeney from Hilltop Caring 02:15 – Stephen’s 25-year journey in disability accommodation & SIL 04:30 – How SIL has evolved under the NDIS – More choice, competition & innovation 08:20 – Tight funding margins in SIL & how to balance financial sustainability 10:45 – Vacancies are the biggest financial risk – How to manage them effectively 13:30 – Challenges of bureaucracy & NDIS admin workload 16:50 – Why small & medium-sized SIL providers drive innovation in the sector 19:10 – Advice for new SIL providers – Consider collaborating instead of going solo 21:00 – The importance of empowering staff to make decisions & reducing micromanagement 23:10 – Preparing for unannounced audits & the importance of compliance checklists 24:30 – The future of SIL in 2025 – Potential changes & how to adapt   Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniagomezconsulting/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting   Or you can also visit our website: http://www.taniagomez.com.au/   #silosophy, #supportedindependentliving, #silproviders, #ndis, #ndisaustralia, #hilltopcaring, #taniagomezconsulting, #siljourney, #disabilitysupport, #ndissupport, #groupaccommodation, #specialistdisabilityaccommodation, #disabilityservices, #silproviderstories, #ndisprovider