By Laura Michell
Schools, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and Hume residents will be offered booking discounts at community centres as part of a council plan to help the municipality recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillors recently approved part three of the Hume local support and stimulus package, aimed at helping community groups to return to using council facilities once restrictions are eased.
Under the $172,000 support package, the council will provide community groups, such as dance classes, homework clubs and church groups whose permanent bookings at council facilities were impacted by the pandemic, with a credit of up to $2000.
New not-for-profit Hume-based organisations running new programs between August 1 and November 30 can access a 50 per cent discount for their first three bookings at a community centre, while school and preschool community centre bookings will be priced at the community rate instead of the higher government rate.
The council will also offer a 50 per cent discount on bookings for private events such as birthday parties and christenings at community centres until November 30.
Cr Karen Sherry said the support package aimed to provide financial assistance to community groups.
“Whilst our community cannot yet take advantage of this support package, it will be in place for when restrictions ease, allowing the reopening of our community centres and facilities,” she said.
“I look forward to council being able to reopen community facilities and for the Hume community being able to access the support package.”
