SERVICES to retirees will be reduced as a result of a cut in funding to the Donald Simpson Centre, Wellington Point resident Debra Swain has told council.
Ms Swain presented a petition to a Redland City Council meeting which was signed by 1570 people who are opposed to the council’s funding cut to the centre.
Ms Swain said she was extremely concerned about the cut to operational funding of $50,000 in the next financial year, reducing to zero from June 2018.
She said the centre was not a club and did not have poker machines to boost funds. It was used seven days a week by citizens of all abilities and ages.
It generated 62 per cent of its own income. Council funds had been used for paid staff, like the manager and secretary.
Mostly, the centre was staffed by more than 120 volunteers who looked after about 50,000 visitors a year.
“This is a centre like none other in the Redlands or its surrounds,’’ she said.
Mayor Karen Williams has said the decision was made on fairness grounds.
The centre had been given more than $1 million dollars over 30 years. No other organisation in the Redlands had received such financial support over such a long period.
She said seniors’ funding would not be cut, rather it would be distributed more widely.
“We have people with disabilities, young people and a large number of older residents who are not connected to the Donald Simpson centre who also need support,’’ she said.
“Council has not cut funding to the senior sector. The funds that have been part of the support provided to the Donald Simpson Centre will be reinvested into a new age-friendly communities’ program to support our city's ageing population,” she said.
She said centre managers had indicated they had opportunities to raise revenue through sponsorship and grants which would ensure they remained sustainable, without having to rely so heavily on financial contributions from ratepayers.
Council would continue to underwrite the centre's nominal rent and maintenance costs.
Ms Swain said the loss of funding would result in increases in fees and charges to 2200 members for room hire, activities, services and educational classes.
“This will have a serious economic effect and lead to the reduction of affordability of services to our fixed low income community,” Ms Swain said.
“The centre has been frugal with their finances and work hard to keep prices affordable so the centre is available to as many Redlanders as possible.”
Ms Swain said the centre provided dining facilities with affordable meals and a place for people to sit and socialise.
“The centre provides for the wellbeing of our people,” she said. “These people maybe your grandparents, father, friends or who knows over time, maybe yourself or your children.”
