Tarcoola closure: Community rallies, steering committee formed in bid to save aged care facility

Key members of the community have joined forces with the federal and state governments to work with WDRC to retain the aged care facility and stop vulnerable residents being displaced. Here’s their plan to save it:

HEARTBREAKING: The Tarcoola Aged Care Facility in Tara on the Western Downs has been forced to close because it legally can't run with the amount of staff on the roster. Pic: Supplied

Key members of the Tara community formed a steering committee to try and stop vulnerable members of their community being forced from their homes with the impending closure of Tarcoola.

The Western Downs Regional Council voted on July 21 to close the council-operated facility following “legal and clinical advice” over an ongoing shortage of clinical staff.

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud held a meeting with concerned community members in Tara on Tuesday, sparking a community-led initiative to prevent the town’s only aged care facility from shutting its doors for good.

One of the seven committee members, Tara GP Dr Tim Lloyd-Morgan, said it was a positive step in the right direction.

“The Mayor agreed to engage with us to see what can be done and how we can assist in ensuring this essential local facility is retained because we have elderly residents who are frightened for their future. It’s heartbreaking to see their fear and anxiety after being told to leave,” he said.

WHEN WIIL I SEE HER? Married couple Ivy and Ray Hite who have been by each other’s sides for more than six decades face being torn apart for the first time ever, as the Western Downs Regional Council announced the Tara aged care facility will soon close. Pic: Supplied

“As a committee we feel like we can’t let this occur without every effort to get to council to see another way and to explore all other options.”

Mr Littleproud assured the committee it would have the support of the Federal and State Government behind them to work with the council on a viable solution.

“We respect their decision they don’t want to be a part of it - but to give (the community) some time to use their local knowledge and empower them to be part of the solution rather than not listening to them and cutting them out.

“That’s where I think some of the anger in the community is from. They feel they want to be a part of the solution.

“This isn’t about tearing anyone apart. They are simply trying to look under every rock to make sure that if there is a possibility we can keep the facility open.”

AT A LOSS: Tarcoola resident Betty Shepheard, 91, said everyone at Tarcoola, residents and staff, are in complete disbelief over the council’s decision to close the aged care facility. Pic: Peta McEachern

Mr Littleproud said he can’t “get a lens” on whether Tarcoola will stay open but said the best chance of it happening would be if another provider was willing to take over.

“The community is simply asking for engagement from council to try and facilitate a transition to another provider… that is the only way we can keep the facility open for the people of Tara,” he said.

Member for Warrego Ann Leahy has also put her support behind the action group to ensure the committee is heard.

The steering committee is formed by Allan Bougoure, Brent Arnold, Nelson Neal, Sharmaine Hurford, Ray Jamieson, Donna Phipps, and Dr Tim Lloyd-Morgan.