MEDIA STATEMENT - Retirement Village Management
Published on Friday, 20 December 2024 at 9:10:26 AM
MEDIA STATEMENT
Retirement Village Management
From the Shire President
In 1990, the Shire of Katanning invested in the development of aged accommodation units within the Shire, completing the 13 Unit project in 1992. Amherst Village has been managed by the Shire of Katanning for 34 years, providing essential accommodation for senior members of our community.
Shire of Katanning President Kristy D’Aprile says, “The Council remains committed to the provision of aged accommodation. A comprehensive review was recently conducted to ensure that management practices and resident contracts comply fully with the Retirement Villages Act 1992 and to plan for the village’s future. This review also examined ways to meet the significant management obligations required under the Act while continuing to deliver a high standard of service to residents.
“To ensure ongoing compliance and high-quality management of Amherst Village, the Shire Council passed a motion at the November 2024 Ordinary Meeting, to outsource management to a specialist in retirement village operations, Village Solutions Pty Ltd. Additionally, the Village’s gardening services have been contracted to BGL Solutions.”
Ms D’Aprile says “This outsourcing arrangement is expected to provide a higher standard of management for Amherst Village residents and gives the Council confidence that all statutory obligations are being met.
“While the future management of this service was being reviewed, several units remained vacant, which unfortunately inconvenienced some individuals waiting to apply for a unit. However, this work was critical to ensuring the Village’s viability and its capacity to meet community needs for many years to come.”
With the review now complete, the process of filling the vacant units has commenced.
All individuals on the wait list have been contacted and invited to participate in the application process. A new policy has been developed by Council, to guide Village Solutions in managing resident recruitment, with a strong focus on prioritizing those already on the wait list and local Katanning residents. This ensures a transparent and fair process that supports our community’s needs.
According to Ms D’Aprile, “On 14 November, we met with current residents of Amherst Village to discuss these changes. During the meeting, we outlined the proposed outsourcing of management, the continuation of existing residents’ contracts (with no changes to existing terms), the introduction of a new contract for new residents and how the management changes will benefit all residents.
“We remain committed to open communication and ensuring that all residents are supported during this transition.”
The Shire of Katanning is dedicated to providing the best possible living environment for our Retirement Village residents. We are confident that these changes will enhance the quality of life for residents while ensuring the Council meets its responsibilities under relevant legislation,” Ms D’Aprile concluded.
For further information, please contact:
Kristy D’Aprile
Katanning Shire President
0427 211 705
Kristy.daprile@katanning.wa.gov.au