Cassandra Richardson, widow of Tim Nielsen, has been given a limited timeframe to vacate the Sydney home they shared after Nielsen, a double amputee and technical director for the National Hot Rod Association, died suddenly of a heart attack on July 7. He was 59.
Nielsen, who lost both legs in recent years due to diabetes, had been living in a specially adapted home provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). His partner, Ms. Richardson, along with her 18-year-old daughter and three grandchildren she cares for full-time, were initially given four weeks to find alternative accommodation. This deadline has since been extended by one month, to September, as the family prepares for Mr. Nielsen's funeral.
"The last thing I want to be doing right now is trying to find another home," Ms. Richardson stated. "It's not going to be easy. We've already lost the income we had. It took the NDIS nine months to find a place suitable enough so we wouldn't be split up as a family."
Ms. Richardson requires a minimum of four bedrooms to keep her family together and expressed that she has received minimal assistance in locating a new suitable residence. She indicated that couch surfing with relatives would be her last resort.
"I am grateful that we now have more time," Ms. Richardson said. "But 60 days to arrange a funeral, find another place, pack up our belongings and move out while trying to grieve is going to be a challenge. The NDIS and real estate should be working with us to help find another home."
The NDIS extended its condolences to Mr. Nielsen's family. A spokesperson for the NDIS told the Daily Mail that the scheme provides funding for disability-related supports, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), for eligible participants. The spokesperson added that while the NDIS cannot fund housing for non-participants, state government and community services may offer housing and other supports.
Mr. Nielsen and Ms. Richardson had been a couple for over 15 years. Ms. Richardson described him as a devoted partner who embraced her and her four children, whom he raised as his own. She also noted his dedication to drag racing, where safety was always a priority for him.
Tim Nielsen's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Australian drag racing community. He had served as the technical director for the National Hot Rod Association since 2017 and was also a racer. He had reportedly been battling illness in recent years but continued to work in his role until his death, assisting fellow racers with technical inquiries.
A fundraiser has been established to assist the family with immediate expenses, securing a new home, and providing stability during this difficult period. The fundraiser's statement highlighted the unexpected challenge of having to leave the NDIS-provided home, which they believed would be permanent.
