How Mario Turned a New Chapter Through Art and Music
In the heart of Heidelberg, Melbourne, artist and musician Mario Chiappalone has found a place to call home. After losing his father in 2010, Mario spent several years helping to care for his mother. When she passed away is 2022, Mario was faced with the challenge of finding a place of his own. While the journey has been bittersweet, gaining independence and having a space to explore his creativity has been a positive step forward for Mario.
Moving to Heidelberg
When Mario first visited his Unison apartment on Mount St, he knew it was the right fit. "It was a bit emotional, but I'm happy here," he reflects. With support from his family, Mario settled in smoothly. Though he misses his parents, Mario enjoys his independence and appreciates the vibrant city life around him. "It's fun being an artist and musician here," he says.
Unison’s Mount Street property, built in 2011, features a mix of 114 social and affordable housing units, an on-site office and reception, and a dedicated community room for renters. Located in the heart of Heidelberg Village, it’s just 100 metres from shops, public transport and a major public hospital – an ideal location for staying connected and supported.
Embracing Community and Creativity
Mario feels connected to his neighbourhood and has formed friendships at his local coffee shop, often chatting with the baristas. A passionate bass player, Mario spends weekends playing on a park bench just five minutes from his home. "I bring my trolley and I go and play,” Mario says. He draws inspiration from various genres, especially funk-rock bands like Infectious Grooves and his bass-playing style has been shaped by Mr. Bungle. His Support Worker – Adam – has also been instrumental in helping Mario navigate the digital music world, helping Mario to set up Instagram, record music and upload it to Spotify.
In addition to music, Mario expresses himself through visual art. He started with graffiti and now paints on canvas, decorating his apartment with his work. With Adam’s help, he recently set-up a small home gallery and enjoys using his private courtyard as an outdoor studio where he can paint.
Support that Makes a Difference
Mario’s Place Manager at Unison, Sean, has played a key role in building community engagement at Mount Street. In his role, Sean connects renters like Mario with the support and information needed to sustain their tenancies. In late 2024, Sean organised a community barbecue at Mount Street and invited Mario to perform. “People enjoyed it. I’m happy… It was really good for me,” Mario recalls. The event was such a success that now he performs at the quarterly barbecues.
Looking Forward
Mario was recently diagnosed with early-stage Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but he’s determined to maintain his autonomy. "I'd like to keep it up, living in this apartment independently", he said. With his GP nearby and Austin Hospital within walking distance, he feels confident in managing his health.
Through life’s ups and downs, Mario has gained valuable perspective. His advice to those facing housing insecurity is simple but powerful:
"Take care and do the right thing in life, by other people and by yourself.”
It’s a message he believes is particularly important today, as communities continue to face the impacts of the pandemic and rising cost of living. With the stability of a home, a strong support network and space to create, Mario is able to focus on pursuits he finds meaningful.
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