By Eleanor Bailey - JRNL103
Image provided by: Blue Haven Aged Care Illawarra
Kiama Council’s efforts in providing quality aged care has seen Blue Haven operate and provide for the wider community for 43 years.
However, due to a Forensic Audit report, it is clear that the Kiama council is no longer financially viable to sustain such a huge asset. CEO Jane Stroud has authorised the process to sell both Bonaira, Terralong St and the entirety of the aged care operations.
Mayor Neil Reilly suggests that this motion will inflict change within the community, requiring community support to continue the good work that aged care deserves.
“For us to refocus on being a local government service at our core, we need to allow Blue Haven to have the dedicated, direct leadership and attention that any complex aged care business deserves. We need to do that so our past good work can continue to live on.”
Reassuring locals, residents and staff that the selling of both sites by McVay Real Estate will ensure that the standard of services remains high and that the well-being and care of residents will remain priority.
“The well-being and care of Blue Haven residents and their families remains the highest priority and we will ensure that care is not compromised as we work through the various stages leading to the sale,” he says.
Locals took to the Kiama Community Page on Facebook, urging for community action against this motion, calling for full transparency and clear consultation with the wider community.
As a result of the initial Forensic Audit report, a provisional Chief Operating Officer has been assigned to identify improvement strategies for the Blue Haven sites.
At this meeting Council was also advised to make the Forensic Audit report public after consultation with lawyers.
This allows for public scrutiny and transparency with the current financial instability circulating within the Kiama council. It is still unclear if the motion to sell will be fulfilled but it is apparent that speculation will be ever-increasing.
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