Gummun Place – Report Being Prepared

AT last night’s Council meeting Cr Sue Abbott questioned when the report on options for the ongoing management of Gummun Place would be made available to the public and Cr Ron Campbell conceded there was a risk the facility may not be accredited at the next inspection, but was hopeful it would be.

Cr Abbott noted Deidre Peebles, chairperson of the facility, referred to an article on scone.com.au  stating Council was evaluating future options for the aged care facility (Read: Gummun Place Could Have Brighter Future) and wanted more information.

Matthew Pringle, Council’s director of environmental and community services, confirmed there was a confidential report to Council, which would not be made publicly available, however a further report was being developed for Council examining all future options for the facility, after which more information would be provided.

Cr Ron Campbell said while the facility is currently accredited there was a risk it may not be at the next inspection, however the committee were fully aware of the responsibility placed on them and it was hoped accreditation would be met.

In Council’s finance committee meeting Cr Campbell had asked that Council release “facts” on the facility to mitigate negative perceptions on social media.

Mayor Bedggood said that until the report was available there was “nothing to advise”, other than what Council had provided in a previous Council update.

Mr Pringle reported the Gummun Place committee had asked for “Council to provide assurances of the Hostel’s future operations indefinitely.”

Mayor Bedggood questioned if the committee was fully aware of their obligation given their recent attendance at a governance workshop, requested Council investigate its “legal position and governance obligations under the body politic” and asked if the Gummun Place advisory committee needed support through directors and governance training. 

Related stories:

• Gummun Place Could Have Brighter Future – February 25, 2020.
• Gummun Still Under Commission Cloud – January 30, 2020.
• Gummun Place – Health Assessors Monitoring Closely – September 27, 2019.
• Council Again on Notice for Gummun Place – September 27, 2019
• Merriwa Aged Care Under Council Cloud – March 25, 2019
• Letter: Council Not Aged Care Specialists – March 26, 2019
• Letter: Gummun Place – A Merriwa Treasure – March 28, 2019
• Editorial: Finding the Best Option for Care – March 28, 2019