In a vote of confidence, the Rural City of Murray Bridge, around 80km east of Adelaide, has awarded a $7.9 million operating budget to its Council-owned residential aged care home.
The Lerwin Residential Aged Care Facility, which underwent a major refurbishment and expansion in 2020, is home to 80 residents; it will use the money according to its 2022-23 Business Plan, the first annual business plan for the home, which was approved by Council in September following community consultation.
According to Murray Bridge Council’s General Manager Corporate Services, Tim Vonderwall (pictured), the budget “demonstrates (Council’s) dedication to the facility’s financial sustainability”.
“Our community and the Lerwin workforce face continuing pressures surrounding consumer directed care and COVID-19.
“Considerable effort has been made to balance the needs and aspirations of Lerwin residents, their representatives, the Lerwin workforce and volunteers, and the broader community,” he said.
Murray Bridge Council’s commitment to providing aged care services is in contrast to other local governments such as Kiama Municipal Council on the NSW South Coast, which is moving to sell off its unprofitable Blue Haven Bonaira home, and various councils in Victoria, which are pulling out of home care.
