General News
27 November, 2024
Senior citizens centre items on offer
Contents of Dimboola's former senior citizens centre are being offered to community groups.
As part of its recent condition and valuation audit of council buildings, Hindmarsh Shire identified the centre at 41 Victoria Street, Dimboola, as one of several sites approaching or at the end of a useful life.
The centre had become obsolete, as it did not meet the current service standard, Hindmarsh CEO Monica Revell said.
"In March 2022, council undertook discussions with members of the community seeking the re-establishment of the Dimboola Senior Citizens," Mrs Revell said.
"However, no support was achieved at the meeting.
"At the August 2023 council meeting, council resolved to advertise its intention to dispose of the Dimboola Senior Citizens building, calling for submissions from the community.
"Six submissions were received, with two submissions being heard at the October 2023 council meeting.
"The predominant request from the submissions was for the community to have time to consider uses for the building."
Council called a community meeting in February this year.
"The general consensus was to sell the building and invest the funds in Dimboola," Mrs Revell said.
"Permanent protection was also requested for an olive tree at the rear of the block as it holds significant historical value."
At its March monthly meeting council moved to defer the disposal to allow officers to investigate how to safeguard the tree's future.
The resulting recommendation was that a section 173 agreement be applied to the property, to protect the olive tree after the property's sale.
This legal contract, recorded on the title of the land, will be binding on all future owners and occupiers.
In August councillors voted to move ahead with selling the site.
Before it is placed onto the market, however, the building's contents are being made available to not-for-profit groups, sporting clubs and organisations within the shire.
An inspection of all items will be held on Friday, November 29, between 1pm and 4pm.
Expression of interest submissions will be accepted until 5pm on Sunday, December 8.