Feros Byron resident Kate Smorty and her daughter Dianne Brien in September last year. photo Tree Faerie
A new era started this morning at the former Feros aged care village in Byron Bay, home to around forty residents this time last year.
St Andrew’s Village Ballina Ltd assumed official management of the Marvell Street facility from 7am, with new staff taking on their first shifts at what residents have renamed ‘George’s Cottages’, in honour of legendary Byron Bay resident George Feros.
Mr Feros, no longer living, is remembered by many longterm locals as a businessman with a community spirit who managed to raise funds for the original village.
Fewer than a quarter of the village’s residents were still living on site when state authorities last month announced St Andrew’s as the new manager.
The move came after Feros announced in February 2023 it planned to redevelop the site, partly on Crown Land, into an ‘inter-generational facility’, requiring existing residents to leave.
Federal Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot issued a media statement this morning alongside NSW Labor Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper describing St Andrew’s as a community-based, not for profit charitable organisation with significant industry experience and financial capabilities, and a long history of providing aged care in the region since 1983.
The NSW government says it’s prepared to negotiate a 40-year lease with St Andrew’s on behalf of Crown Lands.
Meanwhile, the federal Department of Health and Aged Care and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have approved St Andrew’s maintenance of the existing 40-aged care beds, with former Feros residents understood to have been invited back.
St Andrew’s Chief Executive Officer Todd Yourell said via the media release seven residents were already on site and another three residents per week would be brought in from 6 February until all 40 beds were filled.
‘We will also assist people over 65 at risk of homelessness by making it affordable,’ Mr Yourell said, ‘and will be using some rooms where we can for respite care as there is a huge need for that’.
Ms Elliot and Mr Kamper’s media release said St Andrew’s had committed to investing almost $3 million in its first year towards meeting aged care standards and refurbishing facilities.
Mr Kamper was quoted describing today as a day of celebration for the elderly residents and Byron Bay.
The new management brought to an end a ‘stressful and challenging year as the spectre of closure hung’ over the residents’ homes at the former Feros Care site, Mr Kamper said.
Mr Kamper also said more aged care accommodation is needed for the region.
Greens Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said the ‘newly minted St Andrews’ residents had invited her to attend celebrations in early February and she looked forward to attending and delivering her congratulations in person.
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