Media Releases, April 2007
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Uncertain Life for Village Life Residents - Draper
Tuesday 17 April, 2007
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has slammed the operators of Village Life Ltd and its purchaser MFS Diversified Group for creating fear and uncertainty for the 50 elderly Tamworth residents of the Village Life complex. MFS Group purchased 10 Village Life villages and 13 managers units from Westpac Funds Management Ltd in June 2006. MFS lists almost 50 properties worth $290 million among its assets, and includes interests in a major gaming and pub operator, Mirage Resorts, and retail development sites among other investments.
Mr Draper has strongly criticised both organisations for failing to consider the ongoing residential needs of residents when negotiating the sale of the organisation.
“While it is rumoured that the Village Life organisation has been facing financial challenges, I feel the residents should be owed a duty of care that their future needs are integral to any decisions regarding the ownership or management of the complex’s,” Mr Draper said.
“Surely both organisations should have a moral responsibility for these elderly residents who signed long term residential contracts in good faith,” he said.
Mr Draper has contacted the Brisbane offices of both organisations but has yet to receive a return telephone call from either to explain what the future holds for the residents. He has however spoken to a representative from the Minister for Fair Trading Linda Burney’s office regarding the issue.
“Residents signed a contract that stated the premises subject to the agreement (Village Life Tamworth) were excluded from the provisions of the Retirement Village (NSW) Act 1999, however my preliminary advice indicates that the Act over-rides any contractual arrangements,” Mr Draper said.
“This indicates that residents should retain rights under the Act to have any dispute heard by the Tenancy Tribunal,” he said.
Mr Draper said it was ironic that the MFS Group listed Ethical Standards in their Corporate Governance Statement, indicating: “all Directors and representatives are expected to act with the utmost integrity and objectivity.”
“This is clearly under question in this instance,” Mr Draper concluded.
Community Urged to Nominate Their 'Mr Tamworth'
Monday, 2 April, 2007
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has encouraged Tamworth residents to nominate local men who make a positive contribution to the community for the PCYC “Mr Tamworth 2007” event.
Mr Draper, who will attend the launch of the event at the West’s Diggers Club in Tamworth tomorrow night, said “Mr Tamworth 2007” was an opportunity for residents to recognise men who give their time to the community, while also helping the PCYC raise funds to continue vital local programs.
“Successful candidates for Mr Tamworth will demonstrate character, achievements, plus a high level of commitment to their local community,” Mr Draper said.
“The PCYC is a very important local organisation offering young people the programs and support to change behaviours and better themselves socially and personally, so through initiatives like this, the club will raise money to further improve outcomes for local youth.
“I encourage the community to support this event, as by recognising local men who have made a positive contribution to the community, they can also help raise funds to ensure the PCYC continues its good work for this area.”
Nominations are now open for the Mr Tamworth 2007, with the winner to be announced on May 12 at the West Tamworth Leagues Club.
Mr Draper said as a former president of the Tamworth PCYC, he was committed to helping the club attract further assistance to ensure local youth received the best possible opportunities.
“I am pleased to work with the PCYC Manager Paul Stevenson as he is dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for the young people of Tamworth,” Mr Draper said.
“The PCYC provides a safe venue for these young people to keep them active and develop leadership qualities, so I encourage local residents to support this initiative by attending the Mr Tamworth event,” he concluded.
Mr Tamworth 2007 will be launched at West Diggers Club in Kable Avenue tomorrow, Tuesday April 3, at 6pm. Nomination forms for Mr Tamworth 2007 are available by contacting Paul Stevenson at the Tamworth PCYC on 6766 5009.
