The WCA supported Manningham City Council efforts to update the Warrandyte Community Centre building and increase its relevance and role in our community.
WCA also welcomed the decision of the Warrandyte Community Centre Supporters Group to dispose of its assets to the WCA following its decision to wind-up.
Many thanks are due to the various WCCSG committee members over the past ten years who have kept the Centre alive and in particular to Jock MacNeish and David Dyason as Chairmen who carried a major load. We should also thank the former Manningham CEO and Council Officers, Lydia Wilson, Celia Haddock, Jan Loughman and Di Haskins for their efforts in resolving the situation.
In a meeting with Council in June 2012 for an update on the latest draft plans for the Community Centre, WCA expressed concerns over the lack of involvement of ‘occasional’ users in the planning process as opposed to sitting tenants, provision of child care and play space and the desirability of some storage space for community group gear – gazebos, display boards, posters etc.
Council advised that there will not now be an ‘Advisory Committee’ as previously indicated and on which WCA hoped to be represented. There will be a tenants committee, an internal committee and a plan for a regular liaison group to govern the establishment. WCA would hope to be a partner in that, but in any case will always maintain a vigilant role in protecting community interests.
As plans were to be offered for tender end July/August, WCA was very pleased that Manningham responded immediately to our concerns by organising a community consultation on 18th July. Twenty-five residents attended and added further comment on the plans.
WCA contact: David Dyason