Social Futures, which secured a tender to manage the old Byron Hospital site, responds to decision
Generations of locals had strong connections to the old Byron Bay hospital, and now the site’s new managers have opened up about their “strong vision”.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The CEO of the organisation which will manage the former Byron Hospital site for a future community hub has responded to the council’s decision to award them the tender.
Byron Shire Council last week voted to award the tender for the site’s head lease to Social Futures, a not-for-profit community service organisation based in Northern New South Wales.
Social Futures CEO Tony Davies has welcomed the decision.
“We recognise that it’s a great opportunity, but also a great responsibility,” Mr Davies said.
“We appreciate that many people in Byron Bay have worked hard to preserve this site as an asset for the community.
“The old hospital served the community of Byron Bay for generations and we plan to continue that legacy of community service.
“We will be working closely with others in the Byron Community to realise a strong vision for the site.
“Social Futures has been delivering community services in the Northern Rivers, including Byron, for more than 40 years and we see this as a big step to being able to better support those who might need a helping hand in Byron Bay.”
The appointment of the organisation as head leaseholder is a major step towards transforming the property on Shirley Street, which the council bought from the NSW Government for $1 in 2019.
It is destined to become a community hub focused on welfare, social, cultural and educational services.
“We are very pleased to be taking another step forward in realising our exciting vision for the old Byron Hospital through the appointment of Social Futures as manager of the facility on behalf of Council,” the council’s director of infrastructure services, Phil Holloway, said.
“Now the tender has been awarded, we will be working closely with Social Futures to plan towards and negotiate the final terms of the lease and management agreement.”
The council’s decision to award the tender to Social Futures was made during a confidential session at the June 24 ordinary meeting.
Byron Bay Community Association had also submitted a proposal to vie for the tender.
‘Refreshing’: Byron council more diverse than ever
For the first time, there are more women on Byron Shire Council than men, with mayor Sarah Ndiaye saying the gender diversity would have positive impacts on decision making in the community.
Students tackle cost of living, global warming in ‘wicked’ challenge
Year 6 students from two northern NSW public schools are jetting off to Sydney for the challenge of a lifetime – which if solved, could fix a slew of worldwide problems.