Millionaire-Owned Island Resort Faces Uncertainty Over Superannuation and Voucher Entitlements
The luxury South Australian island resort, Rumi on Louth, has been listed for sale, leaving former staff and customers uncertain about outstanding superannuation and voucher entitlements. The resort's co-owner, Che Metcalfe, has acknowledged the outstanding superannuation contributions, but insists this does not change plans for re-opening and expansion.
Rumi on Louth, a luxury South Australian island resort owned by millionaire Che Metcalfe, has been listed for sale, leaving former staff and customers uncertain about outstanding superannuation and voucher entitlements.
The $30-million eco-resort, located 10 minutes from Port Lincoln by boat, was temporarily shut down in May while investigating how to fund the development's second stage. Co-owner and director of Ika Shima Pty Ltd, Che Metcalfe, has acknowledged that some former workers' superannuation contributions remain outstanding, but has insisted that this does not change plans for re-opening and expansion.
Outstanding super 'taken seriously', owner says
Port Lincoln visa worker Scott Houston claims he is owed "a couple of grand" in superannuation and is now looking for another sponsor to remain in Australia. He described his sudden dismissal as "devastating" and questioned the resort's ability to reopen.
"If it didn't work the first time, how could it work the second time?" he said.
"You've cut off some of the best employees you could have had, how could you possibly reopen?"
In a statement, Mr Metcalfe said Rumi on Louth "temporarily paused operations … while pursuing recapitalisation and planning for stage 2 expansion" and was "concurrently exploring the sale of Louth Island".
"All employees were paid their wages, accrued leave and other termination entitlements when operations paused," he said.
"Some superannuation contributions remain outstanding, which we take seriously, and intend to address through either the refinancing or sale process."
Voucher holders ask for refunds
Some gift voucher holders, including Susan Thompson and her mother Margaret Harvey, are concerned about the validity of their vouchers. A two-night stay for two guests starts at $2,062, while a three-night stay for two during the peak New Year period costs $5,080.
"It's a substantial amount of money toward what was meant to be a special occasion," Ms Thompson said.
"Now, we're in a position, as I know many within our community are, that we don't know, firstly, if we'll be able to use our vouchers, and secondly, when."
Ms Harvey described the company's communication as "disappointing", having taken two weeks to respond to questions about the voucher's validity.
In response, Mr Metcalfe said "all existing Rumi vouchers have been extended by 12 months, and our intention remains to honour them when operations resume".
"If the business is ultimately unable to honour those vouchers, they will be refunded," Mr Metcalfe said.
"Given the confidential nature of current processes and privacy of individual employment matters, I don't intend to comment further on speculation or individual circumstances."
Mr Metcalfe also confirmed that the company's vessels, used to ferry visitors to the resort, "have not been sold and remain with the business".