After battling to remain open a few years ago, George's Cottages Residential Aged Care Facility in Byron Bay is now set to undergo a $3.5 million upgrade under the new ownership of St Andrews and thanks to a Federal Government grant.
The home, 670km north of Sydney, formerly named Feros Care Byron Bay, was set to close in 2023 but was saved following a concerted community campaign. The operations were taken over by the Northern Rivers-based Not For Profit St Andrews, who renamed the facility and undertook an intitial $3 million in improvements.
Included in the works were improvements to all 40 resident rooms, revitalisation of four central courtyards and gardens, and upgrades to the fire safety system and electricals.
Now, $3.5 million in further work is planned, thanks to a grant of that value from the Federal Government. The upgrade will include:
- redesign and upgrade of all 40 ensuites,
- addressing drainage and stormwater issues,
- improving exteriors, and
- further landscaping improvements.
NSW's Minister for Lands and Property Minister Kamper toured the home earlier this month. He said, “It’s rewarding to see the residents, who advocated so strongly for their homes alongside Crown Lands, council and the Federal Government, experiencing the benefits of those collective efforts.”