The residents of the Wattle Grove retirement village in Cootamundra received a shock email from the operator, Geoff Hart (pictured), informing them that his company Baragen had ceased trading. We understand there was no other message, leaving the residents in limbo.

The village manager has wages outstanding and no direction on day-to-day business. The residents have taken control establishing a new bank account and continuing to levy weekly dues while they wait for some outcome.

The village originally planned to have 59 villas selling for $210K to $290K. Approximately 20 have been built and sold.

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