The HSU has received unfortunate news from RSL LifeCare, who formally announced that Fromelles Manor will not be reopening.

This is sad news for staff, families and the community as Fromelles joins a long line of businesses that won’t be reopened after once in a hundred-year floods delivered up to fourteen meters of floodwater through Lismore’s central business district.

Where to from here?

Our greatest concern from day one was making sure that members had alternative employment if the facility didn’t reopen, and that your redundancy entitlements were safe if there was no suitable alternative employment. We are relieved that both of these concerns have been addressed.

Members have the choice of continuing on with RSL LifeCare, or seeking employment elsewhere. For those that stay on at RSL sites, there will be new contracts to be signed and new hours to be negotiated. This is another reason why it’s important to be a union member, as only HSU members can access personal advice from our Member Services Division, and only HSU members can access support and representation from the union in any meetings that may be held.

For those deciding to leave, RSL have set the final day as Sunday 29th January 2023.

For members looking for work, there are availabilities at various local facilities, as many providers are experiencing labour shortages. Unlike previous years, there are substantial differences in hourly rates in the area as employers try to attract and retain trained staff. Members are advised to contact north coast facilities and ask what hourly rate and sign on incentives are being offered, before making a decision.

If members have any questions please feel free to contact your local organiser Kirk Rostock on 0488 086 907.

 If you know someone who isn’t a member of the HSU, now is the time to join. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.