By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Danielle Kutchel
Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL has outraged members by selling off its Cranbourne venue after a staggering $1.3 million financial hit during Covid-19.
The sub-branch will be largely unbowed on Anzac Day however, bringing back the traditional services – if not the street march.
President John Wells said Covid had “brought to a head” the sale of the Cranbourne venue – an entertainment complex with bistro, bar and gaming that had suffered “exponential” recent losses.
The RSL had lost $11 million at Cranbourne in a decade – including $7 million invested on improvements
The hand-over to an undisclosed buyer was expected to occur mid-2021. “Nearly all” staff will be retained by the new owner, Mr Wells said.
By Danielle Kutchel
A support service for court users has expressed concern over the merger of the Family Court with the Federal Circuit Court.
Court Network, a frontline community organisation which provides support to court users, is worried about the implications of the merger for people facing family violence.
The merger was announced on 17 February, and would see the two courts combined into the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Court Network’s highly-trained volunteers, known as Networkers, are in the courts everyday, providing information and referrals, emotional support and guidance to navigate the complex justice system.
Networker Nicky said the merger could result in a “loss of specialisation” in the courts.
By Danielle Kutchel
Committing to more than 300 hours of community service at the age of 15 is no mean feat – but for Tahlia Morgan, a Rover with 2nd Springvale Scouts, it was par for the course on her way to achieve the Queen’s Scout award.
The Queen’s Scout award is the highest honour a scout can achieve, but it’s a lot of work. Fortunately, it can be spread over three years, and Tahlia was able to rise to the challenge despite the barriers of VCE and Covid.
The Queen’s Scout involves the completion of several scouting badges. The person striving for the award is responsible for setting their own goals to complete the badges, based on a standardised logbook of suggestions, and an assessor marks the person’s achievements towards these badges
By Danielle Kutchel
Covid-19 couldn’t stop 2nd Springvale Scouts.
If anything, the pandemic has been beneficial for the group, as more kids and young people have flocked to the organisation in the wake of eased restrictions.
During the pandemic members made the switch to online, using Zoom to participate in their club nights.
Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers met weekly via virtual means, continuing on with working on a weekly theme, from environmental issues to cooking.
For their persistence and dedication, 2nd Springvale Scouts was named Community Group of the Year at the City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Awards.
Greater Dandenong will soon get a new green space thanks to funding from the State Government.
The so-called ‘pocked park’ will be located at 77 Herbert Street in Dandenong, and will include shade, seating and plants for visitors to enjoy.
It’s one of several new pocket parks set to be created across Melbourne.
The State Government provided $15 million in funding for 13 new pocket parks and five off-leash dog parks across Melbourne’s suburbs.
According to the government, each new pocket park is funded up to $1.3 million.
Local councils were invited to nominate sites for the new parks, which were assessed by an independent panel.