The announcement was made at last week’s annual general meeting .

Chairman Ray Neilson said part of the board’s strategic planning over a number of years, explored options which clearly resulted in the identification of ongoing difficulties facing small stand alone providers in today’s difficult aged care environment.

“These included good governance, financial management, long term viability and staff and training support,” he said.

“What we have here in Dungog has been built on a strong foundation of community spirit, generosity and trust.

“Opened in 1990 to provide a place of care and support to our older community, Lara Aged Care and Ironwood Village stand as a testament to the unselfish determination and optimistic spirit of the people of the Dungog local government area.

“I am proud the board has unanimously resolved to recommend to the membership an amalgamation with RSL LifeCare which will provide this community with aged care sustainability, a further level of development, support and growth, financial viability and one which will allow us to meet our greatest aims.”

The board’s aims include:

* To continue to be committed to the local community

* To continue to allow us to provide best practiced aged care  and retirement living

* To provide state of the art facilities that meet the care needs of the local community.

* To ensure security of tenure for our residents

* To grow and expand our services

* To ensure our staff continue to receive the best training and support so they are able to do what they do best – caring.

The board wanted complete transparency and Mr Neilson said they have met with staff and forwarded information out to all resident representatives.

“All financial members have received notice of the special general meeting and will be asked to support the resolution to amalgamate with RSL LifeCare,” he said.

“This meeting is set down for November 20.

“We have arranged an information day at Lara with sessions at 2pm and then again at 5pm on November 12 and all stakeholders will be welcome to attend and ask questions.

 I am pleased that I will be in attendance and accompanied by the executive officer of RSL LifeCare Ron Thompson and the Lara manager Kerri Wagner.

“We believe this is the best solution to ensure residential and retirement aged care living will still be provided to our community into the long term future and we are delighted RSL LifeCare agreed to all of our non-negotiable elements.

“This positive proposal would see our current financial assets quarantined and only spent on aged care in the Dungog local government area.

“Our staff will have employment security for 10 years and our plans for renovating the double rooms to single ensuited rooms will come to fruition.

“An advisory committee elected by the current board will monitor and advise RSL LifeCare on aged services in the Dungog local government area with a nominated representative attending all RSL LifeCare board meetings.

“RSL LifeCare is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation that has the same philosophy as ours and is the right fit for Dungog.”