Remaining Feros Care Byron Bay Village residents have fingers crossed as new operator flags interest

After months of trepidation and digging their heels in, a small number of remaining Feros Care Byron Bay Village residents say they feel like the dark cloud has lifted – here’s why.

Some of the remaining Feros Village Byron Bay residents: Charmian Podesta, Sybil Reddan, Mick Eddings, Kate Smorty, Bernadette Dean, Rhonda Strand and Henning Jensen.

After months of trepidation and digging their heels in, a small number of remaining Feros Care Byron Bay Village residents say they are breathing a sigh of relief.

Minister for Crown Lands Steve Kamper has announced an open Expression of Interest (EOI) for new potential operators of the Marvel St, Byron facility.

He said his highest priority was ensuring ongoing care – and the EOI was “warranted as an alternate aged care provider has come forward to signal their interest in operating the site”.

Residents (back) Dianne Brein, Bernie Dean, Maree Eddings and Kate Smorty with (front) Sybil Reddan and Michael Brereton at the village, where six people have died since the closure announcement was made.

Ten residents – dubbed “the Tenacious 10” by some – stood firm at the premises in recent months, refusing to leave after Feros Care announced in March it had to close doors, declaring the facility no longer met requirements for an aged care home.

About 40 residents left their homes.

In recent weeks, Byron Shire Council Mayor Michael Lyon slammed the treatment of the remaining residents as “disgraceful” and “shameful”. He said the council was working on a lifeline from the state.

On the back of the EOI revelation, Feros said in a statement it welcomed the process – but it “in no way” ensured the “eight residents who are refusing to leave” would be able to stay should an alternate operator for the site be found.

Feros Village Byron Bay.

It’s understood at least one of the 10 residents has been in hospital and another has also left.

The EOI will allow a transition to the granting of a long-term lease to a new operator.

Cr Lyon said the residents were “very happy” about the latest development.

“This is a huge win for residents of the Feros Village in their dispute with Feros Care, who tried to shut the facility and redevelop it without any community consultation on this community-owned site,” he said.

Mick Edding said he was relieved and glad this was happening.

Daughter, Maree Edding said the residents are reporting that they feel like the dark cloud has lifted.

“They are keen for it all to be resolved and they no longer need to worry about their home being taken,” Ms Edding said.

Kate Smorty, 95, who ended up as something of a leader of the remaining residents, said she believed a precedent had been set with their staunch battle.

“It has never been done before,” she said.

Catherine 'Kate' Smorty is one resident who dug in her heels. Picture: Cath Piltz

Byron councillor Mark Swivel, who has been acting as solicitor for the residents, said those who have stayed and their families were “stoked”.

He said the facility was a valuable asset and more aged care accommodation was needed across the Northern Rivers.

“A transparent public tender process will ensure the village remains a community asset,” he said.

“In the meantime, every effort is being made to ensure that the residents are looked after.

“We thank the excellent people at Liberation Larder and Mullum Neighbourhood Centre for supporting the residents.”

Previously, Cr Swivel said: “Feros have had the property (on Crown land) without paying a cent in rent for 36 years.”

Byron councillor Mark Swivel has been assisting the residents.

Feros maintains the village was never built as an aged care facility, but as a “low care hostel” – seniors accommodation – more than three decades ago.

“We will review the Expression of Interest, though our position remains unchanged that the site in its current form is not suitable for government-funded residential aged care due to our obligations under the Aged Care Act, and the planning and zoning constraints,” the statement read.

Feros declared the site “unsuitable and unsafe to remain as a government-funded residential aged care facility”.

The not-for-profit said it was “concerned for the expectations and wellbeing” of the residents.

“Despite this, Feros Care has received regular assurances from the government regulator ACQSC (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission) that we are handling the closure appropriately and safely,” it read.

Mr Kamper said any parties proposing development must show “it will comply with state and federal aged care legislation, planning requirements and industry health and safety standards.