Letter from the Mayor: Closure Of Rosedurnate

Published on 15 May 2024

On Tuesday 14 May 2024, I received numerous calls from residents alarmed by an onsite announcement that Rosedurnate Aged Care Centre was to close, followed later by a letter from The Salvation Army. The news completely blind-sided everyone, none more so than Council. I was born there, my father was born there, my grandmother was cared for there, as were so many others, Rosedurnate is an ICON for healthcare in Parkes.

As Mayor, and speaking on behalf of my fellow Councillors, our first and deepest concern is for the welfare of those in care, their families, and the dedicated staff. Their care and transition is our greatest priority and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that proper oversight and respect is provided.

The Salvation Army own and operate Rosedurnate, an organisation with vision and values. These include integrity, compassion, and respect but sadly, in my view, these organisational values have now been betrayed by the Aged Care department of the Salvation Army's business. This decision is disastrous for residents, family and community alike.

Unfortunately, no attempt has been made to work with the community, to build new facilities, or to consider refurbishment. Instead, they have simply withdrawn from Regional NSW to the city.

A quick online search of current Salvation Army Aged Care Facilities and their location is sadly revealing.

Obviously, Aged Care providers are not banks or mines…they deal in the lives of people; our most vulnerable aging people, who surely have the right to age in their own community.

I’m confident that the current staff of Rosedurnate, whom we appreciate and respect, are there to journey with those residents, who will now more than ever, need a caring hand. l will persist with my advocacy until we find out how every resident of Rosedurnate will be cared for in this transition, as we deeply care about the welfare of those people.

We have contacted our local Members Phil Donato MP and the Hon Michael McCormack, who are elevating the matter to the respective State and Commonwealth Ministers. We are also in contact with the CEO of the Western NSW Local Health District.

The Salvation Army have been clear in their complete withdrawal from the region, so we will now reach out to the remaining Aged Care providers to explore opportunities for their expansion.

Parkes is in the centre of so much activity and opportunity. We will continue to ensure our growing vibrant community has all the facilities our town and region deserves, which includes caring for our aged community members.

Sincerely,

Cr Neil Westcott

Mayor of Parkes Shire