Disabled pensioner shedding six-year combat to remain in south-west Sydney dwelling of 21 years

Aunt Carol Carter has been struggling to stay in her home for six years.

But within a few weeks, the 72-year-old pensioner could be kicked out. She says she’s not going anywhere.

“I’m upset because nobody listens, they never listen to me,” said the Kamilaroi elder.

Aunt Carol has lived in a council flat in Revesby, southwest Sydney, for 21 years.

The 72-year-old suffers from the rare neurological disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Delivered: Tom Delaney / TNV

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She grew up in a family of nine, but things couldn’t be more different now, with no living siblings, no children, and a limited support network.

For the past two decades she has lived with Guillain-Barre Syndrome – a rare neurological disorder that has caused her “nose to toe” feeling and means having to use a wheelchair to get around stay mobile.

“It takes me 10 minutes to put my shoes on, I can’t get things right,” she said.

“I can’t peel potatoes or pick grapes.”

Since 2015 she has struggled to stay in her home – if she should move, the house has to meet her specific health needs.

The NSW government plans to move them to a new home a few blocks away so they can develop the area and build 18 new public housing.

But Aunt Carol says it’s not that easy.

NSW Land and Housing Corporation says it will be moved to a house nearby. (

Delivered: Tom Delaney / TNV

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“It’s just so hard that they don’t understand … I can’t learn new assignments,” she said.

“My body is numb, my hands, everything I touch feels like velvet.”

“If I can’t see my feet because my whole body is numb, I may have an accident.”

In a statement, NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) said Aunt Carol signed a lease to move to a new property in Revesby after “extensive deliberation” – something she denied and opposed.

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“Concrete renovation work on the property was recommended by an occupational therapist commissioned by the tenant and this work has now been completed.” said the statement.

“Once the tenant has moved into the new property, LAHC can move forward with the development of 18 new functional apartments for people in need.”

Her affair has been to the Housing Appeal Committee twice in the past six years and all mandated work has been completed.

Aunt Carol claims that certain changes she needed to live safe were not made.

Aunt Carol is working with an advocacy group to fight their eviction. (

Delivered: Tom Delaney / TNV

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She fears that the railing is “too thick to grab” and the ramp is too wide and long, while the design of the kitchen “prevents it from moving safely”.

“They think this house is suitable for anyone who is in a wheelchair or has a disability, which is not right,” she said.

“They don’t worry about my safety or health – they just want what they want.”

“Why can’t you build around me? I only have a short time, then I’ll join my ancestors. “

Aunt Carol works with Metro Assist, a non-profit advocacy group for various communities in southwest Sydney.

Tomorrow tenant support will give the state government an answer to their eviction notice.