June 2020:
Beginning in June 2020, councillors decided to begin the process of divesting from residential aged care. Council was successful in an application for grant funding from the Australian Government to undertake this process.
The initial plan called for the transition of both Yallambee Lodge and Snowy River Hostel to a new operator, with a provision requiring expansion of services into Jindabyne following the transition.
May 2021:
Councillors endorsed an expression of interest process at the May 2021 Ordinary Council Meeting, following the conclusion of which one provider was invited to progress to the request for proposal stage.
Despite working closely with the potential new operator over the course of 2021 and 2022 – and substantial improvements to the financial results of both Yallambee Lodge and Snowy River Hostel in excess of $2 million a year – the financial viability of the proposed divestment was unworkable for the operator.
During this time, specialist aged care provider Respect Aged Care took over operations of Hudson House (formerly Sir William Hudson Memorial Centre) in Cooma. Council, the Australian Government, and Respect Aged Care came together to discuss a regional solution for aged care in the Snowy Monaro.
As a consequence of the outcome of the divestment process – coupled with changes to the national aged care system – staff formed the view that the most sustainable future solution for aged care in the Snowy Monaro is a single expanded facility at Hudson House. This facility will benefit from economies of scale and be able to provide both the scope and level of care our region requires.
July 2023:
At the July 2023 Council Meeting, Council voted to proceed with the divestment of Yallambee Lodge with not-for-profit provider Respect Aged Care to take over operations of the Cooma aged care facility.
A decision on the closure of Berridale’s Snowy River Hostel was deferred until further consultation with the community on the future of the site and the reasons for its closure could be conducted.
August 2023:
Council held community information drop-in sessions in Berridale and Jindabyne, discussing the proposed closure of Berridale’s Snowy River Hostel aged care home and future use of the site.
November 2023:
Snowy Monaro Regional Council announced a closure date of Thursday 28 March 2024 for Snowy River Hostel, following a vote at the November Ordinary Council Meeting in Cooma.
January 2024:
Snowy Monaro Regional Council sought expressions of interests to provide short-term respite care (or similar services) for residents of the Snowy Monaro through the repurposing of Snowy River Hostel in Berridale.
The expressions of interest scope included:
- The proposed business model
- Evidence to support the business model, and the viability of the service or service options presented
- A demonstration of the need for the service or service options proposed, with a preference for statistical data in support of these claims
- Information about the proposed provider’s existing service footprint in the region, including a list of the services offered and operating locations
- Resourcing options and evidence for the proposed model
- The proposed provider’s entity details, entity name, ABN/CAN, contact details, proposed use, proposed commencement date
- Tenure proposed for the facility
- Any limitations – including potential limitations – on providing the proposed service, such as grant applications or funding sources
Expressions of interest closed on Wednesday 27 March 2024.