Barwo Homestead Update

It is now more than 12 months since the last resident left Barwo Homestead, but there has still been plenty going on. Within weeks of closure, the Board and a working party began investigating possible uses for the existing facility, with our major focus on replacing the Aged Care Beds which were lost as a result of our closure. Every possible solution to regain aged care beds was looked at, but ultimately, the Board could see no way that Barwo could viably continue to operate under the Aged Care Guidelines.

However, the Board were unanimous in the commitment to try to get additional Aged Care Beds for Nathalia, with the logical place being at NCN Health Banawah facility. A meeting was held with the Board of NCN Health who agreed that there was a need to try to get additional beds, however, their view was that the State Government had no interest and no funds to build additional beds. It was agreed that a feasibility report be prepared by the Architects for NCN Health, at the expense of Barwo, to establish whether an extension for additional beds, was possible on the NCN site. This report was completed and 3 possible scenarios and costings were provided by the Architects. The report was sent to NCN Health for comment and discussion as to what the next steps might be. To date, we have had no response to this request, which is somewhat frustrating, but we remain committed to doing whatever we can to drive the addition of 10 beds to Banawah.

In regard to the existing facilities at Barwo, we have lodged a planning permit application to Moira Shire, for conversion of the 20 rooms in the current building, into 11 x 1 bedroom flats. Each flat would consist of a bedroom, kitchenette, new bathroom and a lounge space. All will have external access to the north, fully accessible and designed for older residents, as rental accommodation. It is envisaged that the current lounge, dining, kitchen and administration areas, would be used to provide ancillary services to the tenants and community.

In addition, the permit seeks permission for the construction of 13 x free standing units around the existing building. These will be 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units on strata title for purchase. As mentioned above, the current community facilities within the existing building would be used to provide social and recreational services to the owners of these units. We hope to have the planning permit very soon and once we do, it is planned to hold a community meeting to expand on the plans and seek expressions of interest and comment from the community.

The Board want the community to be assured, that it is focused on trying to secure more aged care beds at Banawah as its first priority and secondly on maximising the potential of the Barwo site for benefit of the community.