Council reaches out to sporting and community clubs amidst coronavirus crisis

MELVILLE council will look to help sporting and community clubs navigate the coronavirus crisis, as Tompkins on Swan is forced to close temporarily.

Tompkins Park Community and Recreation Association president Kim Short made a deputation to the council on the reserve’s redevelopment on Tuesday, in which he detailed the effects of the COVID-19 crisis – and with more to come.

He said the association, which runs Tompkins on Swan, was two poor trading months from insolvency in the face of mass cancellations and called on the council to help.

The council responded by asking its chief executive to temporarily suspend or defer any loan repayments, rental payments or other payments as he saw necessary.

Elected members have also asked him to provide the council with updates or advice on any additional support or assistance that is requested by the clubs.

It was also mentioned during the evening that there was $100,000 in the City’s budget to help the association

Mr Short described the council response as comforting as the association, like many, was about to endure a tough time.

“It appears as though the City will collaborate on a new operating model, which is needed,” he said.

Mr Short said they had two bookings still on the books until next Tuesday, which they would honour before temporarily closing until late April.

Melville’s acting chief executive Christine Young confirmed the City had cancelled non-essential events in line with guidelines and directives issued by the Department of Health.

“To-date, we have cancelled the March Limestone Concert, the Harmony Week open day and long table dinner, and the next South of the River Forum scheduled in April,” she said.

All other events are being considered on a case-by-case basis in line with the Department of Health’s Advice for organising public gatherings.

“The health and safety of our community and staff is the highest and most immediate priority, and while it will be disappointing to cancel some events, it is in the interest of everyone and will help keep us safe,” Mr Young said.