“They need to come and tell us what’s really going on.”
These were the words of state Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy as he met with the families of Merriwa Grove residents on Thursday, June 1.
The Cobram facility faces closure at the end of June due to no longer being able to turn a profit.
The “they” Mr McCurdy is referring to is the Victorian Government, which he said had neglected the issue, as well as regional health in general.
However, a spokesperson from the government said that as the facility was privately operated, operational questions were a matter for the Federal Government and the facility’s management.
In turn, a spokesperson for the federal Department of Health and Aged Care said that as the facility was privately run, the department had no say in operational matters.
“As such, the department has not been informed of its imminent closure,” the federal spokesperson said.
“Residents are encouraged to contact their local Primary Health Network (the Murray Primary Health Network), who can discuss relevant mental health support.”
The facility currently houses 20 males with a range of mental issues, and there are fears for the residents’ wellbeing when the facility closes on June 27.
The longest residing resident has called the facility home for 22 years.
Mr McCurdy has labelled the closure and lack of help or guidance from the Victorian Government as shameful.
“It is the absolute neglect of regional areas,” he said.
“In Melbourne they talk about mental health, they talk about the royal commission of mental health. They say they’re putting all this money in then you get to a town like Cobram and they’re doing exactly the opposite.”
Mr McCurdy said he had been in contact with the Victorian Government but had yet to receive a reply.
“They’re just going to pull the rug out from these people without any consultation,” he said.
“Family and friends haven’t really been sat down and talked to about how they can go forward. And the clients themselves don’t know whether they’re coming or going.”
Mr McCurdy is calling on the Victorian Government, and Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, to step in and ensure the residents are not forced to move away from their community, and said the best solution to the problem was to keep the facility open past the end-of-the-month deadline.
“Many of the residents at Merriwa Grove have lived here for many years, some even decades, and it is their home. This is their community,” he said.
The Nationals MP said that another organisation, Social Plus Support Work, could possibly take it over but was calling on the government to guide the process.
Mr McCurdy vowed he would keep fighting to ensure the facility remained open.
“We’re going to fight for them every step of the way. To keep this open. Keep this going until we get a proper outcome. Not just throwing them out on the street and say ‘well, you can look after yourself from here’,” he said.
“I urge the minister to hear our call for help, listen to the families and residents, and provide the support we need to ensure the best outcome for the residents and families.”
The Goulburn Valley office of the Murray Primary Health Network can be contacted on 5831 5399 or at info@murrayphn.org.au