There are four residents still residing at Watson St, if you went there you would know this.

An open forum for residents and families regarding the situation … well you must be neither or couldn't be bothered attending the meetings that occurred. 

Long time friends “disappearing” with no chance for goodbyes again you obviously weren't there to witness the tears hugs and farewells from residents and staff. I do agree with now it's out in the open, not that it was a secret anyway, as it appears in Bellingen people are far more concerned with a plantation forest than the aged population of our community.

In a perfect world the new aged facility would have already been built in the grounds of the old bowling club and the residents would be moving to beautiful surroundings but that didn't happen.

Instead to abide by strict fire safety rules put in place after the Quaker Hill tragedy, the constant delays by local council and government of the new facility, sadly once again the elderly are the forgotten and the doors have to close in Watson St. 

My grandmother is now in a shared room and whilst she is not completely happy with the situation she and we as her family accept this for the interim and short term as humanly possible. RFBI has been very open and informative with this and supportive.

As a staff member I have seen first hand how this situation is affecting all concerned so D Anderson if you really are as concerned as you have written, then go and speak to the people who know instead of believing gossip as truth.

Also put your negative pen to paper and ask your local council and government to prioritise the new facility and have some progress done. I know quite a few residents who will have huge smiles when they see demolishing and building begin and then if they want to the residents who chose other facilities can come home. 

I shall include my full name as I have no problem with people knowing who I am.