Royal Freemason’s Benevolent Institution opened their 70-bed Dubbo Masonic Village 11 months ago, but says they have had to “stall at times” to make sure they have enough staff for new residents.

The unemployment rate of the federal electorate of Parkes dropped by 2.4% to just 3.8% in the 12 months to the December quarter – placing further pressure on an already tight job market.

General Manager Danny Oakenfull has told The Daily Liberal they require staff to have a minimum of a certificate three in aged care and they recruit locally.