The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Rural Health Fiona Nash, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP, Councillor for Division 4 and Collinsville local Peter Ramage, Acting CEO Barry Omundson, Neil Callagher from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Lorna Simpson from the Collinsville Aged Care Association.

Mayor Andrew Willcox thanked Minister Nash and Federal MP Michelle Landry for visiting Collinsville and taking the time to see first-hand the value Hillside Haven has in this small community.

“The Minister and our local MP outlined what measures the Federal Government has taken to seek an alternative provider prior to receivers closing Hillside Haven, as well as options with respect to how this key community facility can be an effective ongoing asset to the aged in Collinsville,” Mayor Willcox said.

“While no promises can be made, Minister Nash has advised she will take information back to the Government so that a fully informed decision can be made regarding the future of this important facility,” he said.

“Hillside Haven has provided essential care and a home to those in need for over a decade.

“It’s extremely sad & distressing for all involved that we are seeing aged care residents forced to leave their home and moved away from their family and friends in Collinsville.

“There needs to be a solution so that future generations of elderly Collinsville residents can have comfort in the fact that they won’t be faced with the same confronting situation.”

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