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Rates hike backlash
Tea to fight the Big C Staff (pictured) at Oakgrove Community Centre recently rallied behind the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. Guest speakers shared inspiring stories and insights, while stalls helped raise money for cancer research - joining hundreds of similiar events across Australia. Anu Ravindernath, the centre’s administrator, described the event as a “resounding success” that displayed the centre’s community spirit. “It brought together local residents, volunteers, and stallholders for a heartfelt morning of connection and fundraising. “Guests enjoyed a variety of stalls showcasing different unique items, all made possible by the local vendors,” she said. She also added that a highlight of the event was the guest speakers, who were able to share some inspiring stories and insights that shed light on the importance of community support in the fight against cancer. More pictures, turn to page 10
Foodbank fights In the latest round of its long battle with Casey Council, a Narre Warren charity intends to legally challenge “impossible” planning restrictions that it says threatens its very survival. The widely-admired Bk 2 Basics, which helps feed up to 7000 people in need per week, has launched a funding campaign to raise $15,000 for an appeal at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It says this is its “best and only shot at keeping our doors open”.
On 17 June, City of Casey councillors granted a six-month planning permit at the Bk 2 Basics base at Vesper Drive, but with conditions including that it must remove its op shop signage, and that it can’t charge people for food and goods. Bk 2 Basics later stated it could comply with “95 per cent of what is asked“ - but “the other 5 per cent“ would force it to close. “Let us be clear: without donations, we simply can’t operate.“
This week, Casey Council stated the community could still make monetary donations, with the permit designed to allow the charity to still operate safely in the Industrial 3 zone. Bk 2 Basics had grown significantly to two factory units, and had attracted complaints from neighbouring businesses. Prior to the permit being approved, a Casey Council officers’ report had recommended not issuing a permit.
It cited insufficient car parking, traffic and road safety impacts as well as loading and unloading, noise, and waste storage challenges. In the meantime, state Labor MPs Belinda Wilson and Gary Maas as well as Libertarian MP David Limbrick have rallied for Bk 2 Basics’ cause. Mayor Stefan Koomen and Casey Residents and Ratepayers’ Association vice-president Anthony Tassone have also voiced support. More on the story, turn to pages 7 and 14
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