If you would like to donate to the Sargood Foundation, please click here.
For further information, please contact Susan Johnston at the Sargood Foundation on +61 2 9984 1100 or info@sargood.org.au
Frequently Asked Questions about Sargood on Collaroy.
About Sargood on Collaroy.
Opened in March 2017, we're a world first, purpose built facility providing holidays, NDIS short-term accommodation and respite packages for people living with spinal cord injury.
Situated on Guringai country, the land of the Garigal people, our accessible resort provides uninterrupted views over Sydney's Northern Beaches Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean from the spectacular Collaroy Headland. Beyond the open space, wide doors and generously sized apartments with seamlessly integrated home automation, there’s the very latest in assistive technology, adaptive equipment and an endless array of recreation activities and courses waiting to be discovered.
We are proudly part of the Royal Rehab Group , a charity with a clear purpose, to empower the people we serve so that they can achieve their full potential. With a rich heritage spanning over 120 years, we take great pride in delivering outstanding rehabilitation and disability services, always striving for excellence.
We are supported by the Sargood Foundation, icare and a private benefactor, who provide funding assistance, essential equipment and any other necessities to encourage independent living for people with a spinal cord injury.
We are Accessibility. Reimagined.
Sargood on Collaroy is purpose-built for people of all ages with permanent damage to their spinal cord that is not progressive or palliative. Perfect for family stays, couple retreats, solo travellers or group bookings.
We aim to provide an environment of refreshment and inspiration for guests and their families, while promoting social integration, activity and support. This holistic approach aims to help people living with spinal cord injury to be happier, healthier and prepared to tackle the next big thing in their life. This might involve returning to school, study or work after their injury, maintaining social networks or starting a family. It is a combination of our equipment, our expert clinical knowledge and the overall environment of facilitating change at Sargood on Collaroy that helps us in our ultimate goal — to provide improvement to the lives of those with a spinal cord injury.
Yes. It is a fundamental part of our philosophy to provide the chance for people with a spinal injury and their families to have a break – either together or separately. This break also provides the opportunity to acquire new skills, evaluate the latest technology available for assisted living and share experiences and life learning with other guests.
Staying at Sargood on Collaroy.
A person living with spinal cord injury and their family, friends and/or carer.
In booking a stay at the resort, you acknowledge that:
You have permanent damage to your spinal cord that is not progressive or palliative.
Your needs meet the primary purpose of Sargood on Collaroy, and that is to support and promote access and inclusion for people with spinal cord injury.
Please note that:
Sargood on Collaroy cannot support you if you have significant behaviours of concern or addictions that may affect the quiet enjoyment of other guests.
Staff at Sargood on Collaroy are trained to support people with traumatic spinal cord injuries. If your care requirements are complex and likely to exceed the staff’s skill set, you might be required to bring your own trained support.
Sargood on Collaroy is not a medical facility and the staff cannot manage any medical conditions you may have. An ambulance will be called if you require medical attention and that you will be responsible for any costs incurred in transporting you and/or your equipment to and from hospital.
There is no ‘typical stay’. Every guest will have different needs and goals, so the length of every stay will vary. However, we do not offer a permanent resident stay; our maximum length of stay is 28 days.
Guests can come to Sargood on Collaroy at any stage—while in hospital for weekend leave, for short stays or for rest and relaxation once living in the community. If on leave from hospital guests will need to discuss the possibility of staying at Sargood on Collaroy beforehand with their inpatient team.
You have the option to stay with your own attendant care worker or receive assistance from our Guest Attendants. Specifically trained to work with people with spinal cord injury, our guest attendants can assist with everything from personal care to recreation and leisure, meal preparation and feeding assistance and community access.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own attendant carer worker with them. Interconnecting rooms are available on request. (Extra charges apply, however icare may assist with funding in some circumstances). Speak to your icare coordinator in this instance.
Royal Rehab LifeWorks is conveniently located onsite at Sargood on Collaroy. They offer a variety of allied health and support services including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and allied health assistance that you can access during your stay. Their therapists specialise in the rehabilitation and management of spinal cord injuries.
External Therapists, Case Managers/Coordinators and Suppliers are welcome to see guests onsite; however, we reserve the right to deny entry to any individual or business onto the premise at any time. Sargood on Collaroy have the right to ask to see insurance certificates and appropriate evidence of competency at any time.
All services must be delivered in a guest’s room. Communal spaces at Sargood on Collaroy, including the gym, are not to be used by External Therapists, Case Managers/Coordinators and Suppliers.
No External Therapist can treat/train/support Club Sargood clients onsite at Sargood on Collaroy. Club Sargood clients can bring their own support workers onsite to assist with sessions at no extra cost. All support workers and carers must sign in and out at reception when onsite at Sargood on Collaroy.
Specialised equipment and supports are standard room features. They include but are not limited to:
- ceiling hoists
- shower commodes
- electric ergonomic hi/lo beds
- height adjustable kitchen benchtops
- deluxe bathroom with adjustable rails, back rest and shower seat
- the latest in-home automation and adaptive technology
There is also a large variety of adaptive recreational equipment onsite that can be used at your leisure.
Yes. Sargood on Collaroy welcomes guests with quadriplegia requiring ventilation. Our staff however are not trained to operate ventilators so guests must come with their own carers. Please note that oxygen is not available onsite. If oxygen is required it must be brought by the guest. If using an Oxygen Concentrator, please contact us to discuss whether your support requirements are able to be met.
Yes. Children, partners and friends are most welcome to stay at Sargood on Collaroy, subject to availability of rooms. Interconnecting rooms are available if necessary and the spacious rooms can accommodate everyone from solo travellers to families.
Sargood on Collaroy has been purpose built for people living with spinal cord injury. Throughout the design phase a number of access consultants and wheelchair users were engaged to make sure that the building was completely accessible and easy to use. Open spaces, extra wide doors and windows at wheelchair height, recessed door tracks are all key features, designed to make your stay as comfortable and independent as possible.
All rooms and facilities feature the latest in-home automation (iPad activated room controls) and adaptive technology. For example, in each room there is an iPad console for easy control of doors, lights, blinds, windows, air-conditioning, heating, television (LCD TV with Foxtel, digital TV channels & a selection of free movies), intercom and free WiFi. More information can be found here
Sargood on Collaroy does not have an onsite restaurant, however eating out, ordering in and bringing your own options can all easily be arranged.
Eat in: The resort is located near a wide variety of accessible local cafes, restaurants and bars. The iPad in each room contains a link to a website that lists all the local eateries and their accessibility details.
Order in: If you prefer to ‘eat in’, we have a beautiful common kitchen and dining area where guests are welcome to cook and/or eat together. Of course, we also have fully equipped kitchenettes in all rooms.
To order in, we are serviced locally by both UberEats and Menulog. Both these services can deliver food directly to your room.
Bring your own: Alternatively, you may like to bring your own food or purchase some once you are here. There is an accessible IGA across the road and our Guest Attendants can assist you if required.
You can also organise to have your groceries delivered by ordering through Coles Online. Our guest attendants can unpack your groceries in your room, ready for your arrival.
Please have your groceries delivered to:
Sargood on Collaroy, 1 Brissenden Ave, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Ph: (02) 8597 0600
Find out all the details at on our website page ‘Getting Here’
Yes. You can access Sargood on Collaroy via the front reception on Beach Road or via our car park. Both entrances are accessible.
Our free carpark can be accessed via Birdwood Avenue, Collaroy (the garage is at the very end of the street). If you press the intercom button on the right of the driveway, one of our staff will be ready to buzz you in. There is a lift straight from the carpark up to our Conference Room and Royal Rehab Lifeworks on Level 1 and Guest Rooms on Level 2.
There is also plenty of free street parking along Brissenden Avenue or Beach Road, Collaroy. Our reception entrance is located on Beach Rd (opposite number 49).
Our team of specialist support staff are available to provide qualified guidance, assistance and support throughout your stay include an onsite Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist and Adaptive Recreation Team.
Royal Rehab LifeWorks is conveniently located onsite at Sargood on Collaroy. We offer a variety of allied health and support services including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and allied health assistance that you can access during your stay. Our therapists specialise in the rehabilitation and management of spinal cord injuries.
Please note Sargood on Collaroy is not a medical facility and therefore cannot manage any medical conditions you may have. An ambulance will be called if you require medical attention and you will be responsible for any costs incurred in transporting you and/or your equipment to and from hospital.
Sargood on Collaroy is happy to accommodate guests travelling with an assistance animal. If you have an assistance animal, and are visiting from another state, please note that you will still need to follow the Sargood on Collaroy policy (listed below), which adheres to NSW law as stated by the Office of Local Government.
- Provide proof of accreditation (must have a medallion on their collar with the registration number and/or the owner must also carry a laminated pass).
- Assistance animals are required to be harnessed and wearing their bibs in all public areas within Sargood on Collaroy.
- Assistance animals must not urinate or defecate anywhere inside the building. They must be taken outside, and all faeces removed and placed in a rubbish bin after being sealed in a plastic bag (Sargood on Collaroy can assist with this).
- Only animal water and food bowls are to be used for your assistance animal. Sargood on Collaroy has some available upon request.
- Assistance animals must not cause harm to another person, animal or property.
- Assistance animals must not disturb other guests by causing noise such as barking or scratching.
- Assistance animals must not sleep on beds, couches or furniture in the guest room or common areas. You may bring a clean animal bed or ask staff if one is available to borrow. This is important for the sake of other guests that will use the property and may have allergies. Specific rooms may be allocated for those with assistance animals to aid in the comfort of others.
Unfortunately we do not allow pets onsite at Sargood on Collaroy.
Sargood on Collaroy is happy to accommodate guests travelling with an assistance animal. If you have an assistance animal, and are visiting from another state, please note that you will still need to follow the Sargood on Collaroy policy (listed below), which adheres to NSW law as stated by the Office of Local Government.
Before your assistance animal is allowed onsite at Sargood on Collaroy you must adhere to the terms below:
- Provide proof of accreditation (must have a medallion on their collar with the registration number and/or the owner must also carry a laminated pass).
- Assistance animals are required to be harnessed and wearing their bibs in all public areas within Sargood on Collaroy.
- Assistance animals must not urinate or defecate anywhere inside the building. They must be taken outside, and all faeces removed and placed in a rubbish bin after being sealed in a plastic bag (Sargood on Collaroy can assist with this).
- Only animal water and food bowls are to be used for your assistance animal. Sargood on Collaroy has some available upon request.
- Assistance animals must not cause harm to another person, animal or property.
- Assistance animals must not disturb other guests by causing noise such as barking or scratching.
- Assistance animals must not sleep on beds, couches or furniture in the guest room or common areas. You may bring a clean animal bed or ask staff if one is available to borrow. This is important for the sake of other guests that will use the property and may have allergies. Specific rooms may be allocated for those with assistance animals to aid in the comfort of others.
Facilities and Activities at Sargood on Collaroy.
Guests of Sargood on Collaroy staying on a package can participate in a variety of recreation and leisure activities and wellness services. Guests are also invited to just refresh, relax and enjoy the facility and local environment with family and friends, and even make new friends by getting to know other guests.
All guests staying on a package are invited to choose from activities such as surfing, kayaking, sailing, golf, tennis, fishing and cycling alongside more therapeutic activities including yoga, cooking, ceramics, gardening or even a trip to the local Farmers Markets. These activities build confidence, optimism and a realisation of what is possible for those living with a spinal cord injury.
Our gym is equipped with leading Human Underarm Resistance (HUR) technology, providing a safer, effective, more independent exercise option for wheelchair and non-wheelchair users. Built with advanced air pressure technology and a U-shape design, the HUR machines lower joint pressure, support assistive training and allow for ease of adjustments.
In addition, Royal Rehab LifeWorks is conveniently located onsite at Sargood on Collaroy. They offer a variety of allied health and support services including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and allied health assistance that you can access during your stay. Their therapists specialise in the rehabilitation and management of spinal cord injuries.
Our friendly reception staff will be happy to recommend our preferred wheelchair taxi drivers for any personal transport requirements you have during your stay. The Sargood on Collaroy van is unable to be booked for personal appointments and outings as it is used to transport guests to a variety of recreational activities as part of our group activities program.
Yes. We have three washer/dryers available for guests to use between the hours of 7am-9pm. These are located outside the lift on the basement level. Please see staff for access if you need assistance.
Organising a Stay.
Use our booking portal which can be found here or please contact info@sargoodoncollaroy.com.au or phone +61 2 8597 0600.
No, Sargood on Collaroy welcomes visitors from all over the world. We have had visitors stay from international destinations including from as far as Norway and Canada.
Before confirming your stay, all prospective guests will complete the comprehensive booking form. The information you provide will help us to personalise your stay. From injury level and care needs, to daily living equipment, room preferences and activities of interest, your stay will be customised prior to your arrival.
Yes. Financial assistance for your stay at Sargood on Collaroy can be arranged through various avenues depending on your insurance scheme, your level of cover and sometimes, your financial circumstances.
Where funding options are not available through icare or the NDIS, and guests do not have the financial means to fund their own stay, the Sargood Foundation may offer to pay for you to stay at Sargood on Collaroy (Australian residents only).
The Sargood Foundation sponsored stays are made possible through the generosity of the supporters of the Sargood Foundation. Applications for a sponsored stay are assessed on a case by case basis and are based on your financial circumstances and reasons for wanting to stay at Sargood on Collaroy.
To discuss funding options and assistance please contact enquiries@sargoodoncollaroy or phone +61 2 8597 0600
The Sargood Foundation.
The Sargood Foundation exists to support Sargood on Collaroy which is Australia’s – and possibly the world’s – first health and wellness resort providing purpose built, accessible accommodation and services for people living with a spinal cord injury.
The Sargood Foundation is a DGR registered charity which works to resource Sargood on Collaroy and help provide people affected by a SCI with the opportunities to live life to the fullest. The Sargood Foundation seeks to directly assist Sargood on Collaroy by:
- Providing funding assistance where possible for guest stays for those in need of financial assistance.
- Donating essential equipment to facilitate support activities and encouraging independent living within the general community.
The Sargood Foundation sponsored stays are made possible through the generosity of the supporters of the Sargood Foundation.
Applications for a sponsored stay are assessed on a case by case basis and are based on your financial circumstances and reasons for wanting to stay at Sargood on Collaroy.
To discuss funding options and assistance please contact enquiries@sargoodoncollaroy.com.au or phone +61 2 8597 0600.
The Sargood Foundation continues to raise funds to assist those who are unable to fund a stay at Sargood on Collaroy. Fundraising also helps us purchase much needed equipment to broaden the activities and opportunities at our centre. You can make a real impact on someone’s life by supporting the Sargood Foundation. Some of the ways our donors are able to help the Foundation’s work are by:
- Funding a stay for a guest or family in need of assistance
- Supporting visitors to enjoy participation in programs and activities during a stay
- Working with the Foundation to develop essential additional programs for guests and guest groups
- Purchasing much needed equipment for the use of guests during their stay
- Providing employment training and opportunities for those with a spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injury or Trauma – The Facts.
Every year, 300 Australians sustain an injury where their spinal cord is damaged. It can happen to anyone. The injury interrupts nerve signals between the brain and body. The physical impact is permanent, life changing and can involve pain and paralysis. More than 50% of spinal cord injuries are from motor vehicle accidents. A further 28 per cent are due to falls. 15–24 year olds are the largest group suffering spinal cord trauma but there is also an increase in injuries to people in their mid-40s.
Paraplegia is paralysis (a varying loss of sensation and movement) in the lower part of the body—the legs and part or all of the trunk. Quadriplegia is paralysis in the arms, legs and most or all of the trunk. Every injury is different and there may be a degree of movement or sensation remaining.
Yes. A key function of Sargood on Collaroy is to also operate as a place of learning for people with a spinal cord injury.
- Occupational Therapy support and services aim to help guests of Sargood on Collaroy to discover equipment, techniques and strategies to maximise their ability for independent participation in everyday activities
- Vocational consultants help guide those who wish to explore returning to work or study
- Clinical nurse educators offer specialist education to guests and staff in all aspects of spinal injury
That varies from person to person and depends on the injuries involved. There are many new life challenges for people with spinal injury. The key components may include:
- Physical rehabilitation
- Dealing with emotional impacts, confidence and self-esteem
- Managing relationships
- Learning to use new technologies and tools
- Developing routines to live independently
- Moving back to an adapted home
- Gaining new skills for working life
- Connecting with the community
- Peer to peer learning
Learning these skills and re-building confidence can be key to moving forward with a rewarding and independent life. Sargood on Collaroy helps people achieve these life goals.
My rights and responsibilities.
If less than five (5) clear business days’ notice is given to cancel a reservation, 100% of the total fee must be paid (to a maximum of 5 nights). There is no charge if more notice of cancellation is given.
4.2 In the case of a shortened stay or amended dates of bookings, no less than five (5) clear business days’ notice prior to the original arrival date is required, or a one (1) night charge will be incurred.
4.3 During peak periods, higher nightly rates may be charged than the regular advertised packages. These rates will still fall within the NDIS price guide for those days.
Peak Periods include:
- December 20 – January 31 (inclusive)
- Long Weekends / Public Holidays
A guest may change package level without charge if more than five (5) clear business days’ notice is given prior to their date of arrival. Within five (5) clear business days of arrival, a guest may downgrade their package, however a one (1) night fee of the package rate initially booked will be charged. If multiple changes are made to a guest’s package type during their stay (e.g. from Wellness & Support Package to Wellness & High Support Package), a one (1) night fee of the package rate initially booked will be charged per instance a request for change is made. If a guest would like to upgrade to a care package during their stay, Sargood on Collaroy will provide this service only if there is adequate staff availability and a new Service Level Agreement is signed.
Yes, if changes to the supports or their delivery are required, it will be discussed and reviewed. Both parties must agree that any changes to a Service Agreement will be in writing, signed, and dated.
Should either Party wish to end a Service Agreement they must adhere to the cancellation policy. If either Party seriously breaches this Service Agreement the requirement of notice will be waived.
Compliments are welcomed and are usually received:
- in person
- over the telephone
- in writing
- as part of our feedback form sent after every stay
- through the feedback app located at reception
Where formal compliments are received regarding a member of staff or a service from a guest, client or relevant other these should be brought to the attention of the investigating manager.
The investigating manager should personally acknowledge the staff member(s) involved and refer the compliment on as required.
Compliments are shared at staff meetings.
Sargood on Collaroy welcomes complaints; they are considered as valuable feedback for the service to continually improve and develop.
Guests, clients, visitors and their families, advocates and substitute/supported decision-makers have a right to raise complaints regarding the services, and to have their complaints dealt with promptly and in a positive way.
Guests, clients, visitors and their families, advocates and substitute decision-makers who make a complaint are valued and should not fear retribution.
Complaints are welcomed and are usually received:
- in person
- over the telephone
- in writing
- as part of our feedback form sent after every stay
- through the feedback app located at reception
In the first instance we encourage you to speak with the provider of the service, where possible supported from the manager.
Should your matter not be resolved to your satisfaction, please contact the Quality and Risk Manager on 9808 9222 or email feedback@royalrehab.com.au.
If responses from the Sargood Manager or Royal Rehab are not considered adequate by the complainant, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission can be contacted by calling 1800 035 544 or visiting ndiscommission.gov.au.
A list of advocacy services can be found in our T&Cs.
Sargood on Collaroy is committed to communicating with all guests using the language, mode of communication and terms that the guest is most likely to understand. Interpreter services are available when requested in the booking form.
With consent we are happy to communicate directly with an advocate, case manager, support coordinator, family member or alike.
We are Accessibility Reimagined.
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