THE Mount Gambier Community RSL has invited City Council elected members to visit the facility in a bid to provide greater insight into its operations and community connections.
It follows council agreeing to a two-year rate rebate for the Sturt Street facility, however council has ruled the 50pc discount will not apply to the business’ car park.
Reconsideration of the rebate at this month’s council meeting follows a 2017 decision after the organisation requested the 50pc rebate due to financial issues.
While the organisation’s financial position has recovered, it is still working to repay its $2.5m debt.
Supporting around 40 non for profit organisations, Mount Gambier Community RSL president Bob Sandow said he is inviting elected members and community members to gain more information and understanding on their community services following an interest from Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin.
Mr Sandow said he was happy with the end result, claiming it as the outcome needed for the organisation.
“We are approaching our 102nd year here in Mount Gambier and it is things like the money from council that allows us to prove we should continue to be here.
“We did used to do school school scholarships and many other things for the community but we are not able to do that anymore,” he said.
“But ultimately I am here to pay off the loan and do something for the people.”
Elected members debated the rebate in this months chamber meeting, before coming to the conclusion to select the rebate for the building site only.
Questions surrounded as to whether the RSL is considered a community organisation or a commercial business considering the sites gambling machines.
Councillor Steven Perryman joined the discussion ultimately voting against the rebate on terms he classified the organisation as more commercial than community due to the facilities provided.
“They have a commercial kitchen from where they run a bar,” Cr Perryman said.
Mr Sandow dismissed the comments surrounding the organisation being considered as commercial, stating if it were not for the kitchen or the gambling machines the RSL would have closed a long time ago.
“Without the machines we would not be here at all,” he said.
