Carramar and nursing homes in several other towns in NSW are included in these projected sales.

Under the guidance of their local MP Sonia Hornery, Wallsend's nursing staff and the community campaigned to prevent the beds being sold and were successful.

Compare this drive and enthusiasm to what has happened in Leeton.

In the Leeton community most people felt it wasn't of great concern, or remarked that we would have to accept the sale of beds.

It was a Government decision, and "isn't the building out of date anyway"?

Well, the design of Carramar was an innovative design and is still considered to be an excellent facility.

It has light airy rooms with a door each opening to a garden or balcony allowing for fresh air, sunlight and easy access for relatives to take their loved ones outside.

There are wide corridors and rooms angled off them in such a way that the interior does not look like a typical institution.

The interior is always clean, and what's more, smells clean.

Representatives of the Carramar Carers Group met with Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli who showed a vague interest, listened to our concerns, but was not at all proactive.

Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom and general manager David Laugher met with a large number of the relatives of residents and the carers group representatives and indicated they knew the "best way" to approach the Minister for Health for a positive outcome.

This was done without including a carers representative and what was the result?

The sale would go ahead – accepted without demur and not a word from any of our councillors about fighting to retain the status quo.

Information to the community, staff and families was limited. I think that means we weren't to interfere or make waves.

After all, it is beds that are up for sale and, remember, the NSW Government is broke so the welfare of the residents isn't a consideration.