Ordinary

Supplementary Agenda

4 September 2014

TO: Cr Bill Taylor, Mayor Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Allen Cr Michael Britten Cr Keith Hughes Cr Ann Mawhinney Cr Kristy McBain Cr Liz Seckold Cr Sharon Tapscott

COPY: General Manager, Ms Leanne Barnes Group Manager Transport and Utilities, Mr Wayne Sartori Group Manager Planning and Environment, Mr Andrew Woodley Acting Group Manager Community Relations and Leisure, Mr Simon Schweitzer Group Manager Strategy and Business Services, Mr Lucas Scarpin Executive Manager Organisational Development and Governance, Ms Nina Churchward Minute Secretary

Council                                                                                                      10 September 2014

Supplementary AGENDA

S     Mayoral Minutes

S.1              Children's Services Merimbula - request for assistance..................................... 5

Council                                                                                                      10 September 2014

Mayoral Minutes

10 September 2014

S.1             Children's Services Merimbula - request for assistance............................. 5

Council 10 September 2014                                                                                Item S.1

S.1. Children's Services Merimbula - request for assistance

Mayor

Background

Council has very recently been made aware of the challenges facing Auswide in relation to the potential loss of programs in after school and vacation care operated in Merimbula

Council is aware of the importance of these programs to the families that access them and the impact that any loss of service, even a temporary one, will have.

Council has already shown it is keen to work with Auswide, the community and other providers to minimise the impact of any loss of these services and to find a resolution to this issue for those families.

The process of transferring licenses to operate after school and vacation care for children is a legislated one and involves processes with both state and federal government agencies that include minimum timeframes.  As well, Council is obliged to undertake due diligence, particularly when it relates to services for children.

It is regretted that Auswide is in a position that does not allow it to continue to provide these valuable community services in Merimbula.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

Recommendation

That Council staff continue to liaise with Auswide staff and prepare a report for the next Council meeting outlining the issues, social and financial impacts and alternative possible resolutions for consideration by Council.