Closure of former Julia Farr Centre confirmed by South Australian Government
The disability home formerly known as the Julia Farr Centre will finally close its doors officially after a search for new housing for the few remaining residents.
Residents and staff at the former Julia Farr Centre have been told the doors to the disability institution will finally close.
A date has not been set but is expected to come within months, after the State Government finds accommodation for six remaining residents.
At its peak in the 1970s the centre at Fullarton, now known as Highgate Park, housed more than 800 people but has not accepted new residents since 2014.
The closure was confirmed to staff, residents and their families yesterday. The on-site kitchen and storeroom will close on Friday and the 15 staff working in those areas have accepted separation packages.
Another 85 staff will be offered packages or redeployed across the public service.
Of the 11 remaining residents, supported housing has been secured for five so far.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said the closure marked “the end of an era” as disability services changed significantly under the NDIS.
“We now know that institutionalised care is no longer considered best practice,” she said. “Over the past few years the department has been moving residents into community accommodation.”
Disability Advocate Dr David Caudrey said it was realistic to expect supported housing could be found for remaining residents within a couple of months.
Originally known as The Home for Incurables, the centre opened in October 1879 to cater for people with disabilities or incurable conditions.
It later became a leading medical centre for brain injury and neurological conditions.
The facility was renamed in honour of philanthropist Julia Farr in 1981 and taken over by Disability SA in 2006, when it became known as Highgate Park. Portions of the site have become vacant and derelict over time before being demolished or sold.
Ms Lensink said the remaining site was owned by The Home for Incurables Trust and any decision on its future would be made in consultation “to benefit people with disability”.
Tracey Gibb lived at the centre for 20 years after suffering a stroke and being diagnosed with Locked In Syndrome. In June the 46-year-old moved to a new government-run complex at Parkside, with six other former Highgate Park residents, and said she is “loving it”.
Four two-bedroom houses were built there at a cost of $1 million, to accommodate eight residents who receive NDIS funding and care support.