Published on 23 October 2025
Council will, at next week’s Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, 27 October 2025, consider a report on the future of Gummun Place Hostel, including a proposal to transition the facility from a residential aged care service to a licensed assisted boarding house model supported by home care packages.
The report outlines options to address the long-term financial and operational challenges facing the facility. Deputy Mayor Cr Pat Ryan said that while the report recommends exploring a new operating model, no decision has been made. “Council has not made any decision regarding the future of Gummun Place Hostel,” Cr Ryan said. “This report allows councillors to carefully consider all available options and how best to ensure ongoing support for residents.” Significant consultation has already occurred, and there is broad consensus in the community that a transition from the current operating model is required to ensure the facility’s sustainability well into the future. The report notes that continuing under the current model is not financially viable and that maintaining the status quo is not an option. Gummun Place Hostel has been operated by Council for many years but continues to face increasing financial and regulatory pressures. The report recommends that, should the transition proceed, services could be delivered through an external aged care provider under a simpler and more sustainable model. “Like many small, community-run aged care services, Gummun Place faces challenges from rising costs and complex compliance requirements,” Cr Ryan said. “This report presents one possible path forward, but Council will review it thoroughly before any action is taken.” If Council decides to progress with the proposed transition, the next step would be to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified aged care and housing providers to operate the facility and deliver home care services to residents. “Residents and their families can be assured that continuity of care will remain Council’s top priority,” Cr Ryan said. “Council’s focus is now on finding the right partner with the experience and capability to deliver high-quality home care services at Gummun Place.” The report, prepared with input from aged care consultants Pride Aged Living, will be considered at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, 27 October 2025. The Council Meeting agenda is now available on Council’s website: upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/OC-27-October-2025