A local mental health housing community in Cobram, that is also home to men from Yarrawonga, is closing their doors with no place for the men to go.
Merriwa Grove, a Supported Residential Service which is managed by Merriwa Industries (MI), announced in a letter sent to family members of the 19 residents that they would be holding a meeting in three days’ time to discuss the future transition of the facility, the first-time residents or family were informed of any issues or a closure.
Niece of resident Bruce Wren, who has called Merriwa Grove home for over 20 years, Rhonda Bowen is frustrated about how the whole situation has been dealt with as families of the residents were only provided with 60 days’ notice.
“Bruce has lived in the region his whole life and has been at Merriwa Grove for 20 years. Bruce and his family want him to stay where he feels safe and secure. This is his home,” Rhonda said.
“This decision has been rushed, without fair and reasonable planning and transparency. The way in which this has been handled is certainly highly questionable.
“Families and front-line staff were told at the meeting that the home would close in 60 days. Under the services agreement, 30 days notice is required.
“However, given the extremely limited vacancies specifically suited for the 19 men, it was a total shock and seemed a very adhoc, rushed and an unprofessional approach. They needed more time.
“This decision and the uncertainty of where they are going next has caused immense anxiety on the men and great stress on the families.
“By the end of June, the residents are essentially going to be turfed out of their home with no suitable, fit for purpose, alternative accommodation.
“If a room or unit is found for them by MI it may be in dementia wards or in aged care. The men need to have a home which meets their mental health needs, not shoved somewhere in all parts of Victoria.”
Families of the residents have been left in the dark on several matters relating to the facility closure with the state government also not able to provide an answer about the unfair and unjust decision.
“Meriwa Industries have said that they are losing money and are no longer financially viable which the families believe is questionable. They have just exited this lease with two years to go,” Rhonda said.
“A number of the families say this doesn’t add up. Why haven’t the residents, families and front-line carers been given a relocation plan, by the government or Merriwa Industries? Such a plan would include a fair and reasonable time frame for transition and fit for purpose housing.
“A number of people are also asking, is the state government aware of any future government or private plans for the large parcel of land that the home is located on?
“Another local disability care organisation who already has an affiliation with some of the men has put their hand up and said they would take on the lease so the men could stay where they are, and the frontline workers could keep their jobs while also introducing new aspects to the care facility, but they are not hearing anything from the powers that be.
“Victorian Minister for Disability, Aging and Carers, Lizzie Blandthorn has the authority to help these vulnerable men and their families to stay in their home – even if it was for 12 months, enabling time for a professional Relocation Plan to be development and implemented with open communication for families and residents, staff and NDIS carers.
“With less than 25 days to go and no real options presented, the matter is extremely urgent.”
Support Co-Ordinator at Social Plus Support in Yarrawonga Amanda Webb has rallied Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Beyond Housing and Tenants Victoria to assist on rectifying the issue with Social Plus Support willing to enter a long standing lease to ensure the continuance of the facility.
“Social Plus Support Work are interested in a 99-year lease on the facility with CEO of Social Plus Support Work Michael Thompson meeting with Chief Executive Officer from NCN Health Jacque Phillips OAM, to see what the steps would be to take over the lease on the premises,” Ms Webb said.
“I have heard the benefits these men have had to their mental health since residing in Merriwa Grove, this has been peace of mind for families and something that they have been very thankful for.
“The stress and anxiety of the residents having to find alternative accommodation will increase the need for some men to turn back towards their old excessive uses which can then lead to further health related problems.
“Some men also have very limited family to support them through this and risk of isolation is huge. The men have found a family within each other at Merriwa.
“Our solution is to reduce the impact on the guys and their mental health and to allow them to remain living in their home, 59 Warkil St Cobram.”
Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, who visited the facility last Thursday, is calling on the Victorian government and Minister Blandthorn to step in and ensure the residents are not forced to move away from their community.
“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,” Mr McCurdy said.
“There is work happening to transition the lease and ensure that the residents will have more time to find suitable alternative accommodation in the community, or a different delivery of the service.
“However, we need the government and the minister to step in and ensure that there is the support in place to allow this to happen, whether that is funding, or additional staffing.
“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 clock is ticking, and time is running out.”
A spokesperson from the Victorian 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.”
Merriwa Grove has been contacted for comment.