Tara Murray
The future of Sydenham Grace remains uncertain, with an investigation into the supported residential service continues.
The facility was one of two, run by Grace Disability Services, which have been under the control of administrators since January following a state government investigation.
That 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.
Residents at both facilities have since been supported by Wintringham, a specialised welfare organisation, with Ernst and Young appointed as the administrator.
Earlier this month, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing announced it had revoked the registration of Gracemanor, saying it was putting the sector on notice.
It said the Human Services Regulator had taken the action to protect the health and wellbeing of the residents at that facility.
Gracemanor residents will be moved to alternative accommodation that best suits their needs.
“The regulator also determined the proprietor does not have the relevant skills and knowledge to operate as SRS [supported residential service] in a competent and safe manner and is not suitable to operate an SRA on conduct and character grounds,” the department statement said.
An investigation into the facility found instances of bullying, intimation, unsafe and unhygienic living conditions and insufficient quality and quantity of food, and inadequate provision of personal and health care.
There was also insufficient staff.
While Sydenham Grace was run by the same management, there was no mention about the future of the site in the department statement.
A DFFH spokesperson told Star Weekly that said the regulator’s investigation into Sydenham Grace was ongoing and that the department was not able to comment until it is concluded.
