Dreams come true for Ginninderry’s 2000th resident
For Amanda Dietrichson, and her 11-year-old daughter Lijané, being revealed as Ginninderry’s 2000th resident is worthy of a celebration. It is also a homecoming dream come true.
Amanda and Lijané, arrived in Australia from South Africa 10 years ago when Lijané was a baby.
It hasn’t always been easy for Amanda, who is raising Lijané on her own while working as an executive assistant. The rental crisis and an impatient landlord left Amanda and Lijané temporarily dependant on the kindness of a friend, who allowed them to stay awhile.
But at Easter, their world changed as they moved into a beautiful new home in Strathnairn, through Ginninderry’s Flexi Living Series.
The low-cost, socially-responsible housing scheme works through a ballot and allows people who meet certain criteria to purchase separately titled homes that are thoughtfully designed for sustainable living. Only a 5 per cent deposit is required up front while Ginninderry funds the construction of the Flexi-living Homes until they are ready to move into.
“This is what made it possible for me to purchase my first home ever… Without this feature, I don’t think I would have been able to buy my house,” said Amanda.
Amanda and Lijané were looking for something functional and low-maintenance with beautiful living spaces they could put down roots. In Strathnairn, they found this—and more.
“We absolutely love our new house. All of it. The big front windows and void in the lounge allows for so much natural light to fill our house. It gives the house such a light and fresh feel,” says Amanda.
“For the first time we each have our own bathroom, which is an amazing blessing. I also love sitting in my little courtyard and having a braai – that’s Afrikaans for BBQ.”
Lijané is over the moon with her own bathroom and is busy decorating her room just as she wants it. The best bit is the arrival of her first pet—a bearded dragon called Jelly.
Amanda has a great sense of calm, knowing that the Ginninderry community surrounds her and her daughter, and Lijané will grow up with a tangible connection to nature.
“We love the sense of community and activities within Ginninderry and Strathnairn is clean, quiet and so close to nature. We are already very happy here.”
Find out more about Flexi Living here.
