Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
BY GEORGIA MCDONALD
Following a vote on the proposed transfer of Proserpine Nursing Home to national aged-care provider Respect Group on Monday 7th September, the home will remain under community ownership.
The decision comes after the nursing home’s board proposed transferring the facility and its assets to Respect Group Ltd. Based in Tasmania, Respect operates aged-care homes, retirement living and home-care services across regional Australia, with a network of 47 community aged-care homes.
The board said the proposal was considered as the nursing home faced increasing challenges around regulations, staffing, governance and the cost of running an independent aged-care provider.
The nursing home has been part of the Proserpine community for almost 40 years, and members of the community have expressed their happiness to see still in their possession.
“There's relief, a lot of relief in the community as far as I'm aware,” said association member Allana Van Niekerk, who had previously advocated against the transition.
She described the outcome as a community effort, saying staff and association members had faced difficulties getting answers throughout the process.
“It was 100 per cent a team effort in making sure it remained with us,” she said.
Respect Group Ltd has since responded to the result, saying its focus throughout the process was on ensuring older people in the region received the care they deserve.
“At the end of the day, our not-for-profit purpose is what drives Respect, and that purpose isn’t to take over facilities. It’s to ensure older people receive the care they deserve, no matter where they live,” said CEO & Managing Director Jason Binder.
“This was never about me or Respect. It was always about the older people in the Proserpine community and ensuring they got the care they deserved. The community is confident it can continue to deliver great care to the older people of Prosperine and surrounding communities, and if that’s the case, we’re very happy to see that happen.
“I'll be cheering them on and genuinely wish them every success.”
Attention will now turn to the Proserpine Nursing Home association’s Annual General Meeting on 28th September, when members will have their chance to select members board for the coming year.
Allana said the make-up of that board would depend on who association members nominated and elected.
“Hopefully we get a well-rounded skill set on it, and then we can move forward,” she said.
She expressed hope the next chapter will bring greater community involvement and transparency, with association members given more say in the home’s future.
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