By CHRIS EARL
PYRAMID Hill’s former aged care hostel is back in community ownership.
Respect Aged Care has gifted the 24-bed facility to the town’s progress association that wants to convert the complex into independent living accommodation.
Talks to secure local ownership started soon after last November’s fifth anniversary of the hostel’s closure and relocation of residents to other towns in central and northern Victoria.
Association president Drew Chislett and former president Neville Miller have inked the deal six months later with Respect managing director Jason Binder, ending community uncertainty about the building that started as the town’s hospital in 1959. 
“The plan is to transform the former hostel into an independent living complex, allowing seniors to maintain their independence while remaining close to family and friends,” Mr Chislett said.
Progress association were told at their meeting last night that they officially receive the keys on July 1.
Ahead of the announcement, Trevor McIntosh  raised the Australian flag outside the Durham Ox Road buildings where former bush nursing hospital board chairman Ian Bartels has acted as unofficial caretaker of surrounds since the November 2019 closure
Respect opened the door to community discussions in November when contacted by the Loddon Herald.  “We’d appreciate it if there are community members who want to take over the building, that they’d just ask us ... at the end of the day, we just want it to go to a good use and I’m more than happy to engage in constructive and respectful dialogue around a transfer to a community organisation,” Mr Binder said at the time.
This week, Mr Binder was enthusiastic for the progress association plans to create independent living units. “As one of Australia’s largest regional aged care providers, we know that creating communities of belonging goes hand in hand with strengthening local care services,” he said.
“That’s why we fully support the vision of the Pyramid Hill Progress Association to ensure locals, now and in the future, can continue to live in the same community that they have long called home. We believe that this facility can serve as a vital resource for Pyramid Hill, providing locals with a place to live as well as a supportive environment where they can thrive and enjoy happy and fulfilled lives.”
Mr Chislett said the community would “shape the vision for the facility which may also include short-stay accommodation options to meet needs of visitors and workers to the area.
Mr Chislett described Respect’s decision to gift the former hostel back to the community as “landmark decision reflecting a strong commitment to enhance the social fabric of Pyramid Hill, ensuring that older people in the local community can continue to live in familiar surroundings. The plan is to transform the former hostel into an independent living complex, allowing seniors to maintain their independence while remaining close to family and friends.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Pyramid Hill to come together and create a space that meets the needs of our older community members. We are eager to engage with the community to ensure that the new complex truly reflects our values and aspirations,” Mr Chislett said.
“None of this would be possible without the generous support of the CEO and board of directors at Respect.
“Transitioning from a traditional aged care hostel to an independent living complex represents a significant shift in how aged care services could be delivered in the region. This vision aims to foster a sense of belonging and community by allowing residents to age in a place, surrounded by the support systems they know and love.
“As plans develop, the Pyramid Hill Progress Association will be actively seeking input from local stakeholders and residents to shape the vision for the facility which may also include short-stay accommodation options to meet needs of visitors and workers to the area.
“Community meetings and consultations will be scheduled in the coming months to gather ideas and ensure that the complex serves the diverse needs of Pyramid Hill’s population. This initiative not only marks a new chapter for the hostel but also strengthens the community’s commitment to inclusivity and care for its ageing members. 
“With the support of Respect and the active participation of local residents, Pyramid Hill is poised to enhance the quality of life for its older people living locally, ensuring they remain an integral part of the community for years to come,” Mr Chislett said.
Originally the town’s bush nursing hospital from 1959 to 1995 built with money raised by the community and managed by a local board, the facilities were taken over in 2010 by Swan Hill-based Alcheringa that became part of Respect Aged Care.
Following last November’s offer for talks on future use and ownership of the building, Mr Chislett said “let’s see where that goes”.  This month, Mr Chislett and Mr Miller wrapped up the deal to return facilities to the community.