Following the announcement in 2023 that the former Feros Care Village in Byron Bay would close, residents of the much loved and vital community asset faced an uncertain future.
Today, the renamed George's Cottages is thriving under the new management of St Andrews Village Byron Bay Ltd, with a secure 40-year lease and major improvements to its facilities.
The dramatic turnaround followed a coordinated effort by the NSW Government, Crown Lands, Byron Shire Council, Member for Ballina, Member for Richmond and Federal Government, together with passionate residents and community advocates to find a new operator to keep the facility open.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper toured the site today to meet with management and residents and inspect the significant progress that has been made to improve the quality of life for residents.
St Andrews stepped up to deliver a smooth transition and a strong commitment to resident care, delivering $3 million in upgrades to enhance residents' well-being.
Major refurbishments that have been completed include:
- Upgrades to all 40 resident rooms and shared spaces, enhancing safety and functionality while preserving the familiar cottage-style character
- Full landscaping and revitalisation of four central courtyards, including accessible pathways, seating, and garden features
- Replacement of the fire safety system and comprehensive electrical upgrades to ensure safety, compliance and efficiency.
Works will commence shortly on a $3.5 million upgrade to the George's Cottages aged care facility, located on Crown land in Byron Bay, to deliver an improved experience for residents.
The $3.5 million grant from the Federal Government will support the redesign and upgrade of all 40 ensuites, address drainage and stormwater issues, improve building exteriors, and deliver further landscaping enhancements.
Work to deliver the further upgrades will begin shortly, with St Andrews to work closely with residents to ensure they are comfortable and supported throughout.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"The dedicated management of St Andrews and the significant improvements to the facilities at George's Cottages have made a real difference to residents' comfort, accessibility, and security.
"It's rewarding to see the residents, who advocated so strongly for their homes alongside Crown Lands, council and the Federal Government, experiencing the benefits of those collective efforts."
St Andrews Chief Executive Officer Todd Yourell said:
"Aged care facilities play a vital role in providing safe housing and essential services, and as a community-based organisation St Andrews is focused on investing in the wellbeing and quality of life of the residents it supports.
"St Andrews has been prioritising the residents of George's Cottages throughout the delivery of the facility upgrades to ensure both their immediate and long-term comfort."
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:
"After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay's Feros Village, Federal and State Labor Governments worked together with the community in 2023 to find a new provider, St. Andrew's, to keep the site open for residents.
"I'm proud to have delivered more than $3.5 million in federal funding to support St Andrew's to continue delivering the very best care and support for our local seniors at George's Cottages."
Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:
"Too often, older voices are sidelined in conversations that affect them most. It has been a privilege to support such a remarkable group, and uplifting to witness these elders step forward and speak out with such determination for the future of their home."
"It is so powerful to see what can be achieved when a community comes together. We are so pleased to know that the care and support of the residents is now safe in the hands of St Andrews to look after our older people with the dignity and respect they deserve."
