Group of Feros Village Byron Bay residents fight to remain in aged care facility set to close its doors

Residents of a Byron Bay aged care facility set to close its doors have refused to be moved on, forcing the hand of the not-for-profit running the facility – but the battle isn’t over yet.

Residents of a Byron Bay aged care facility set to close its doors have refused to be moved on, forcing the hand of the not-for-profit running the facility.

The revelation Feros Village Byron Bay operated by Feros Care would close on June 23 sparked outrage back in March, as elderly residents protested the move.

They complained about being “traumatised” and “devastated” to be moved on.

Now, 10 residents – dubbed “The Tenacious 10” by some in the community – have decided they will not be moved on and are standing firm after the closure date was pushed to Wednesday, July 19.

Byron Shire councillor Mark Swivel has backed residents.

“First, because they love where they live and know it is a good and safe place to live,” Byron Shire councillor Mark Swivel said.

“Second, because they have been treated badly and have lost confidence and trust in Feros.

“And third, because there is no alternative accommodation for them that is suitable and affordable.”

In response, a Feros Care spokesman said the facility was scheduled to close on July 19 because it no longer met the state government’s requirements for a residential aged care home.

Feros Care was built as a “low care hostel” 33 years ago.

“However, due to the refusal of residents to leave the facility within the time frame, and our commitment as a charity to the safety and wellbeing of residents, we will continue to operate but not indefinitely,” the spokesman said.

“Our priority remains to support the remaining residents to make decisions in their best interests to ensure their current and future care needs are met.”

Cr Swivel said family of residents and the wider community were committed to making sure all residents were looked after.

“So the residents are okay for now but left in limbo,” he said.

A protest in Byron in March. Pictures: Jacqui Walsh.

Cr Swivel said he believed the government could intervene to keep the village open.

“Feros Care Byron Bay is located on Crown land, owned by the state government and (is) dedicated to ‘homes for the aged’,” he said.

“Feros have had the property without paying a cent in rent for 36 years.”

Feros Care Village Byron Bay in March.

Cr Swivel said the closure was down to “a policy aspiration, not a specific legal obligation”.

He said the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety findings endorsed facilities like the village – a small scale, non-institutional home.

Cr Swivel said if Feros had given 12 months notice, shared approved development plans and proactively supported residents the dispute would not have happened.