The eight remaining residents will remain at Feros Village Byron Bay after it closes on January 29, 2024, with the Department of Health and Aged Care taking on responsibility for their care.
The ABC reported last week the residents will remain at the facility.
It’s a win for the remaining residents, who fought their relocation to other Feros aged care facilities.
In a statement, Feros Care said, ‘Concurrently, the Department of Planning and Environment (Crown Lands) is well advanced in selecting a new operator for the site, with all applicants confirming they can continue operations from January 29, 2024’.
‘Crown Lands will provide an update regarding the new provider.
‘It will include details regarding the future care and services for the eight residents who have refused to leave the facility since the closure announcement was made in February 2023’.
Feros management have repeatedly said the reason for the closure was that the Byron Bay facility was ‘unsuitable and unsafe’ and needs redevelopment, yet no evidence has been publicly provided, despite requests by The Echo.
Feros managers went on to say, ‘As a charity, Feros Care had committed to helping solve the affordable housing crisis for seniors in the region with a multimillion-dollar investment on the site. The lack of affordable housing for seniors remains a wanted community asset that Byron Bay deserves’.
‘Feros Care continues to invest in aged care in the region, through its Bangalow Residential Aged Care Facility and the organisation’s significant community care program.
‘As a charity, Feros Care provides care and services to more than 35,000 people each day and remains committed to supporting seniors in the region’.
Buoyed by support
Resident, Kate Smorty, told the ABC that residents had been buoyed by the support of the community, which donated the money used to build the village.
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