Tara Murray
Residents living near Sydenham Grace continue to live in fear despite administrators taking over the supported residential service.
Administrators were appointed to oversee the service four weeks ago following a state government investigation into the facility.
The investigation found that the operator of Sydenham Grace and Melton South facility Gracemanor was not meeting the stringent regulations in place to protect the interests, health and wellbeing of 34 residents.
In a statement at the time, the Department of Families Fairness and Housing said that multiple breaches were found including bullying, intimidation, coercion, and abuse, unsafe, unhygienic, and uninhabitable living conditions, insufficient quality and quantity of food and inadequate provision of personal and health care.
The homes were run by Grace Disability Services. The facilities’ residents will now be supported by Wintringham, a specialised welfare organisation, and Ernst and Young has been appointed as the administrator.
Administrators met with residents last week, to hear their concerns about their safety and that of the Sydenham Grace residents.
The facility is located across from kindergarten and a school is nearby.
Residents have reported residents roaming the streets on hot days and alleged illegal activity in the streets, while police and ambulances are still in regular attendance.
They say there have been no improvements since the administrator took over.
Brendan Maughan owns the property next door to Sydenham Grace. He moved away last year, but still opens the property.
He said there was a constant police presence at the facility.
Star Weekly believes that current staffing levels at Sydenham Grace are three to four times higher than those used to operate it under previous management.
It is understood that a review of the occupational health and safety environment of the residence, assessments of each resident’s care and support needs, and an assessment of financial viability of the service are among the work completed since the appointment of the administrator.
A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing spokesperson said the Human Services Regulator appointed an administrator at Sydenham Grace because it had concerns about the support being provided to vulnerable residents and management of the facility.
“The administrator is working with community organisations to improve supports for the SRS residents.”
