Factsheet

Frequently asked questions Hunter Residences

Language (if other than English)

December 2017

What the redevelopment of Hunter LRCs to new state-of-the-art homes means for
affected staff

What is happening in the Hunter Residences Redevelopment program?

The NSW Government is committed to replacing large residential centres (LRCs) and
building new homes tailored to suit the needs of residents. To date, more than 650
people have moved into 140 contemporary domestic homes.

The process to redevelop the Hunter Residences is well underway and 62 people have
so far moved into 11 newly constructed homes. Home4Life was selected in February
2017 to develop the remaining homes and land has been purchased for most of these
properties. Home4Life have completed around 70 per cent of the new designs and they
have submitted a number of the designs for council approval.

Will the construction be completed by 30 June 2018?

As with any construction project, especially one as complex as Hunter Residences, there
have been unexpected challenges along the way. Despite careful planning and progress
to date, the Hunter Residences will not be completed by 30 June 2018. We understand
that this is the date it was expected that all FACS operated disability services would
transfer to non-government operators to support the implementation of the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It is important to not rush the development of these new homes. Feedback from residents
and their families will be incorporated and the new homes must meet the stringent
standards outlined by the NDIS and the FACS Guidelines for Group Homes.

What does this mean for staff?

Staff who work at Hunter Residences will continue to be employed by FACS beyond
30 June 2018. We would like to assure you that we will continue to operate until all
residents have been safely moved into their new homes. Staff can continue to provide
and maintain high quality care to residents.

The NSW Governments highest priority is the continuity of service for people living in
Hunter Residences and their safe and smooth transition to new services that meet
modern standards.

When will the Redevelopment project likely be completed by?

It is likely that the first houses will come on line towards the end of 2018 with the
remaining homes to follow in stages. Staff will be updated on progress and expected
completion dates as soon as possible.

www.facs.nsw.gov.au
 Factsheet
Frequently asked questions Hunter Residences

Language (if other than English)

Which staff will likely be transferred?

The transfer process will include a full assessment of care needs and staffing models
before moving to the new purpose-built accommodation.

We will continue to communicate with staff and unions through our local consultation
mechanisms.

What is the process to transfer services once the redevelopment is complete?

Residents will move into their new homes once homes are completed. As part of the
transfer process, a full assessment of care needs and staffing models will be undertaken
before residents will move into their new purpose built accommodation. As part of this
process, staff will be placed according to client needs. Continuity of care remains our
highest priority.

We will develop plans for the transfer of staff and services to the new group homes as
more is known. These homes will transfer to the non government sector, however the
timing and scheduling of this transfer is not yet known.

How will families be involved?

We will always take the time to listen to residents, their families, and guardians and take
into account any concerns they raised. Significant consultation with residents and their
families has been undertaken since December 2013 regarding the new accommodation
options. A contract between FACS and Home4Life will ensure that residents and
families continue to be supported up until people more into their new homes.

Will ADHC stay open in the meantime?

The step down of ADHC and its disability services is continuing and it is expected that all
other services, except the Hunter Residences, will have transferred by June 2018. This
means ADHC will close.

The NSW Government no longer delivers disability accommodation, respite, in-home

support and clinical/allied health services in 12 out of the 16 districts in which we
previously operated. By the end of March 2018, approximately 1,500 more staff will
transfer to Life Without Barriers, Achieve Australia and Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

What is happening with the new Commonwealth Quality and Safeguards

Commission?

We are continuing to work with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) around
the transitional Quality and Safeguards arrangement to ensure Hunter Residences
clients are covered during this period.

www.facs.nsw.gov.au
 Factsheet
Frequently asked questions Hunter Residences

Language (if other than English)

The Quality and Safeguards Bill was passed by the Senate on 29 November 2017 and
will establish the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. It will oversee the quality
and safety of services and supports clients access through the NDIS. It will also regulate
NDIS providers, investigate and determine complaints, and uphold the rights of people
with disability.

Until the Commissions powers come into effect in each jurisdiction

(1 July 2018 for NSW) people with disability receiving NDIS supports and services
continue to be protected by the existing NSW quality and safeguards systems.

Where can I find more information?

We will continue to keep you updated on the redevelopment program and other issues
affecting you through the Hunter Residences Staff Bulletin.

You can also find information about the redevelopment program on the Working
Together website at: workingtogether.facs.nsw.gov.au/reforms/large-residential-centres

If you have any questions, please speak with your manager. Alternatively, you can email
workingtogether@facs.nsw.gov.au and Aboriginal staff can email
AboriginalWT@facs.nsw.gov.au.

www.facs.nsw.gov.au