A conversation with Mayor Louie Zaffina has clarified all issues with Bidgee Haven's budget. It also highlighted the council's commitment to this vital community asset; Bidgee Haven will be here for the long haul.

“The financial year 24/25 budget discrepancy stemmed from two overly optimistic assumptions,” said Louie Zaffina.

“These didn't align with the realities of residential aged care.

“The budget projected 100 per cent occupancy throughout the year.

“This simply isn't consistent with past performance.

“It also doesn't match the nature of residential aged care. “It's the nature of residential aged care that the number of residents varies throughout the year.”

The current financial year budget uses a more realistic approach. It's based on an average of 12 residents.

This represents 80 per cent occupancy across the financial year.

The second assumption involved registered nurse staffing requirements.

The budget assumed Bidgee Haven would receive an exception from 24/7 registered nurse presence. When the exception wasn't granted, the facility had to quickly engage more expensive agency nurses. This was necessary to meet mandatory staffing requirements.

Since April 2025, things have improved significantly.

Bidgee Haven now has a full complement of permanent staff nurses.

They also have a pool of casual nurses to cover absences.

“We are fully committed to providing this service for the Balranald Shire,” Mayor Zaffina emphasised.

This is particularly important with the baby boomer generation approaching aged care years.

These aged care accommodation services will be in unprecedented demand. The aged care landscape is changing rapidly. Federal government policies push for ageing in home approaches.

Residents now typically enter care later in life. They arrive with higher needs and stay for shorter periods. This creates greater fluctuation in occupancy rates.

The situation differs significantly from when Bidgee Haven was originally built. Despite these industry-wide challenges, council remains committed to the facility.

“We believe that in the future, there's going to be an ever increasing demand for aged care,” Mayor Zaffina said.

He pointed to demographic reality. The largest generation in Western civilisation is moving towards requiring these services.

Council said it is working to improve occupancy through better marketing.

They recognise that some shire residents weren't aware of Bidgee Haven's services, and plans are underway to advertise more broadly.

This will reach regional newspapers and communities who need these services most. Mayor Zaffina was candid about the budget projections. He noted they were unrealistic. They made the situation “look a lot worse than it needed to.”

However, he stressed an important point. While this explains the dramatic turnaround, genuine challenges still need addressing. Council's approach demonstrates its commitment to transparency.

Council is working diligently to ensure Bidgee Haven continues serving the community. According to Balranald Shire executive, the facility will operate for years to come.

With more realistic budgeting, proper staffing arrangements, and strategic planning, the future looks positive. This essential community facility is well positioned. Council believes it will meet growing demand for quality aged care in the region.