STAFF have hit back at implications of risks to residents of a Bendigo supported-living facility, saying they offered high-quality care.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Residents of Bignold Park Supported Residential Service were given notice to vacate within 31 days in early May.
A government spokesperson said management had closed voluntarily, but it followed engagement with the Human Services Regulator.
They named financial viability and risks to residents' safety and wellbeing among the regulator's concerns.
Related content:
But staff say they went "above and beyond" when it came to caring for residents.
Former Bignold Park care coordinator Wendy Isaacs said staff loved their jobs, were highly qualified, and cared for residents' every need.
She said staff were concerned about applying for other positions after the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing described risks to residents safety and wellbeing.
Mrs Isaacs said she had worked at the home for 20 years, until November 2020.
She said staff loved their work, and the home had been known for the excellence of its care.
Mrs Isaacs said staff even locked themselves down in the home during Victoria's first lockdown, not seeing their families for weeks, to keep the residents safe.
"The staff are really upset at the bad name Bignold Park appears to be going out with," Mrs Isaacs said.
"It was just the best place to work, and we're very ... sad it's going out the way it is."
Former Bignold Park chef and personal care assistant Sharon said residents were like family for staff at the small facility.
She said she was devastated for residents when she heard the facility would close.
Other news:
Sharon said residents always had an abundance of high quality, fresh food, while staff were highly qualified, and performed their job exceptionally well.
"The staff, they were brilliant, they all had the qualifications, they went out and above and beyond," Sharon said.
"It was a small facility, so it was very personal ... and you got to know the residents really really well."
Worker Claire Nebel said it was devastating to have the business close so suddenly.
Miss Nebel said it was distressing for residents who had lost their homes.
"It's a real shame that it's closing down. It's these people's home for 10 years, and they've got nowhere to go," she said.
Miss Nebel said she feared comments about risk from DFFH, and the Public Advocate about supported residential facilities, would affect her chances of future employment.
DFFH has been contacted for comment.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- Follow us on Google News