Apollo Care is considering taking over the operation of Feros Byron Bay in partnership with the Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC).

Members of the Byron Bay community who were deeply concerned about the imminent closure of Feros Byron Bay reached out to Apollo Care’s Executive Chairman, John Young, asking if Apollo Care would consider rescuing the community from closure.

The Byron Bay community put Apollo Care in touch with the MDNC. 

Apollo Care is now awaiting Byron Bay Shire’s formal Expression of Interest process to be announced, and will consider the EOI with the MDNC. 

"We’re observing strong support in the local community for efforts to save the facility from closure,” Apollo Care Chief Executive Office, Stephen Becsi, told The SOURCE. 

“We’re impressed with the strength of the local Mullumbimby community, and if things were to progress, we would be committed to leaving the service open to low-means residents – at least 40%,” he said.

In February 2023, Feros Care made the decision to close the Byron Bay home because its 33-year-old buildings were deemed no longer fit for purpose. Initially, the home was scheduled to close on 23 June, but when 10 residents refused to leave a one-month extension was granted until 19 July. Eight residents remain living at the home.

The SOURCE: Not For Profit aged and home care provider Feros Care believed that Feros Byron Bay's buildings were no longer fit for purpose and they planned to build a multi-million-dollar intergenerational community on the site. Will Apollo Care find the same barrier, or will they take a different approach?