Bishop John Parkes’s statements earlier this year that Alexandra’s Kellock Lodge would not be on-sold, comes into review with news today (Wed.) that St John’s Village, Wangaratta, has been sold to a Tasmanian company.

The Wangaratta Chronicle today reports that the Village has been sold by the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta, to a Tasmanian based aged care provider Respect Aged Care, which operates nine homes in Tasmania and regional Victoria, including centres in Swan Hill, St Arnaud and Echuca.

“To take effect on January 14, the sale encompasses the 146 bed residential care home, 30 self-care units, and 153 units in The Terrace,” the Wangaratta Chronicle says.

The move follows a lengthy process to find a new owner, which began about two years ago.

“We started the exploration with Australian Strategic Services Ltd a couple of years ago,” Bishop of Wangaratta John Parkes is reported to have said.

The Wangaratta nursing home is where 10 elderly residents died of influenza in August last year.

Kellock Lodge, Alexandra, is in the process of being returned to local hands, with the Diocese to received millions of dollars in settlement for the bed licences.

Bishop Parkes said it was the right time for the next chapter in the story of St John’s – a name which will remain despite the change of ownership, the Wangaratta Chronicle said.

“It’s a new era, and St John’s has to be part of this era, to honour its past, but not live in its past,” Bishop Parkes said.

“The nature of the industry means the future is with players who have economies of scale and a depth of skills.

“Respect Aged Care comes out of a Christian base, brings great skill in aged care, economies of scale, professional expertise, and an understanding
of the importance of regional communities, and aged care in those communities.

“Our goal has always been to ensure the best possible care for our residents.

“Being part of a bigger organisation with greater capacity to invest in systems, staffing and facilities, can only mean stronger aged care services for Wangaratta and the region.

“The diocese has been involved with St John’s Village for many years, but now it is time for us to get back to our core mission of ministering to people and supporting local communities.

“We can put time and resources into what for us is the main game – working in the community, strengthening and growing parishes, and working with Anglicare,” the Wangaratta Chronicle quoted Bishop Parkes to say.