LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
I AM writing to object in the strongest terms to the proposed closure of the Aqua Energy creche.
I have been a gold member of the gym for the past four years and have used the creche for the last two.
It is a unique facility in Sale, highly valued by the mums and carers who use it and well used and run contrary to notions expressed in the draft budget proposal.
I acknowledge that it is running at a loss and that the second session is extremely under utilised.
However, I believe this is down to Aqua Energy’s management of the creche.
Aqua Energy management has been reluctant to listen to members’ feedback regarding classes over the years.
It does not market the creche or co-ordinate the second session with many classes and it would seem, as the whole complex is being run at a loss, the current way it is operated needs to be addressed or changed.
I urge council not to sacrifice the creche and leave mums, carers and children without the opportunity to interact with others and gain or regain fitness and health.
The creche is arguably a more vital service to ratepayers than an outdoor gym circuit in Maffra when one already exists in Sale.
There is no alternative child care available to the people who use the creche or occasional care within Sale or any of the surrounding communities.
I urge council to restructure it, increase the price if needed, but do not isolate the gym members who need this service to exercise and thus gain physical and mental wellbeing.
I remind council its Vision 2013-2017 (7.1) that promises to “Support access of recreational opportunities for all sectors of the community”.
I also question the overall integrity of a draft budget that proposes to cut funding to the SES, surf life saving and the mobile library service.
If these cuts go ahead, how will our council be able to look at their own reflections in the gleaming, glass windows of the million dollar hub building?
