FINANCIAL pressures for the Mount Gambier Community Returned and Services League have been eased slightly after the organisation received a rate rebate from Mount Gambier City Council this week.
On the brink of closure only a matter of weeks ago, the organisation is still alive after receiving donations from community members and more recently a $200,000 loan from State Government.
Although a divisive issue among councillors, the Mount Gambier RSL was granted a two year, 50pc rebate on all three assets – the carpark, museum and RSL – totalling over $12,000 per year and effective immediately.
After speaking with Mount Gambier City Council earlier this month about the financial hardships, president Bob Sandow was thrilled to hear the motion had been passed.
“It is a magnificent gesture for the council and elected members to support the RSL,” he said.
“This is another step in the process to keep going forward and it is very gratefully accepted.”
Councillor Christian Greco was quick to support the motion that was brought forward at this week’s full council meeting and the one to suggest it take effect immediately.
“Council has and can have a role to play in helping the RSL,” he said.
“It employs around 40 people and I think any business that employs that many people is very important in the community.”
However, this view was not shared by all, with fellow councillor Penny Richardson arguing against the rebate for the RSL.
“I won’t be supporting this motion, the RSL is a semi not-for-profit organisation … it has commercial ventures,” she said.
“While they do some good, they also deal a lot in alcohol and gaming machines, which are the scourge of the city.
“I am not prepared to support anything that is going to promote those activities in this town.
“Alcohol is bigger than drugs with the damage it does to the community, so I can not support this.”
After the initial vote, Cr Richardson called for a division, meaning individual votes were recorded.
Cr Richardson, Cr Frank Morello and Cr Des Mutton did not support the motion, while Cr Greco, Cr Josh Lynagh, Cr Sonya Mezinec and Cr Ian Von Stanke were in favour.
With the majority in support of the rebate, the motion was carried with immediate effect.
