The Feros Village aged care site at Byron Bay has a brand-new operator with St Andrew’s Village Ballina Ltd assuming official management of the facility from 7am this morning.
The handover of operations coincided with the start of the day shift at the Marvell Street facility, bringing relief and ending a year of uncertainty for the site’s elderly residents.
St Andrew’s is 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 announced last month it had identified St Andrew’s as a preferred new operator for the Byron site after Feros announced In February 2023 it planned to close the facility.
Crown Lands, with support from Byron Shire Council and the local members of state and federal parliament, stepped in to save services and help residents by launching an expression of interest inviting potential new operators to be considered for a long-term lease on the site.
St Andrew’s has been awarded the opportunity to negotiate a 40-year lease with Crown Lands, and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have taken necessary steps to license it to maintain the existing 40-aged care beds at the reserve.
St Andrew’s has committed to invest almost $3 million in its first year to meet aged care standards and refurbish facilities for comfort and functionality, with continued investment over its lease to maintain facilities and quality services.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“This is a day of celebration for the residents and Byron Bay bringing to an end a stressful and challenging year as the spectre of closure hung over their homes at the former Feros Care site.
“I want to thank the local community and the tenacious residents for their amazing advocacy on this issue, and I am so pleased that we have been able to deliver a result.
“More aged care accommodation is needed for the region so securing these 40-beds was vital. St Andrew’s has a strong understanding of local priorities and a proven track record for delivering quality care for the community so it’s a great outcome all round.”
St Andrew’s Chief Executive Officer Todd Yourell said:
“We are absolutely thrilled. The board and staff members are very keen and some residents who had moved out have asked to come back. We will start with seven residents and from 6 February bring in about another three residents per week until we fill our quota.
“We will also assist people over 65 at risk of homelessness by making it affordable and will be using some rooms where we can for respite care as there is a huge need for that.”
Byron Bay Mayor Michael Lyon said:
“Feros Village is much-loved in our Shire and to know that it will continue to operate in the existing facility, caring for our seniors, is very comforting to a lot of people, particularly the current residents and their families.
“The fact St Andrew’s is based in the neighbouring Ballina Shire means there is a wonderful local connection, and I am very heartened that they will operate this fantastic aged care facility, invest in it and continue to provide this much-needed service to our older residents.”
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:
“This is a massive community victory and welcome news for the residents of Feros Village. Thanks to everyone for all your great efforts.”
“After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay’s Feros Village, State and Federal Labor Governments worked together to find a new provider to keep the site open for residents.”
“St. Andrew’s is a respected and established aged care provider in our region, and I’m so pleased that residents now have a secure and long-term home. I’m proud to be your strong voice in the Albanese Government delivering a long-term home for the residents of Feros.”
Member for Ballina, Adjunct Professor Tamara Smith MP said:
“The heroes of this story are the residents who never gave up, and never stopped believing in themselves. It’s been such a privilege to work with the Feros residents, their families and advocates, and the Minister for Lands and Property on a productive solution to this issue. I’m so proud of our community.
“The newly minted St Andrews’ residents have invited me to attend celebrations in early February, and I look forward to attending and delivering my congratulations in person.”
