Tara Murray
The Western Region Concert Band is considering leaving Brimbank after more than 20 years, after being “locked out” of the St Albans Community Centre.
Band manager Andrew Houston said while lockdowns had ended the council hadn’t allowed the band to resume its regular practice sessions on Saturday mornings.
He said they had been given different reasons as to why this is the case. The group has practiced at the centre and the previous community centre on the site for more than 20 years.
“Basically the council has locked out a community group,” he said.
“We’re being told COVID is the reason,” he said.
“As it’s my understanding that they’re only open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. they have to employ security [for weekends and after hours], but they don’t want to engage security.”
Mr Houston questioned why it was OK for people to use the facility during the week, but not at nights and at the weekend?
He said the band had tried to work with the council, but felt they had been blindsided and disrespected.
“This is a knee jerk reaction,” he said.
“We were founded in 1977 and have called Brimbank home for more than 20 years. We are now in the position of looking to pull up stumps and leave Brimbank altogether.
The group’s frustrations have seen it decide to return a grant given by council.
Mr Houston said the grant, which would have been used to hire the Bowery Theatre for a performance, was no use when they can’t practice and they have been given no indication whether they would be able to have their normal booking time next year.
“As a large music ensemble in the arts, we have struggled considerably with lockdowns, social isolation, and community. We want a fair go.”
Brimbank community wellbeing director Lynley Dumble said the council has taken a measured response to reopening facilities in order to maintain public safety.
“This schedule has been developed on advice from the state government, as well as consideration of Brimbank’s COVID-19 case numbers and vaccination rates.
“STACC was reopened on November 15, 2021, with limitations on opening hours and visitor numbers. As time has progressed and vaccination rates have increased, we have been able to safely open the building for increased usage.
“STACC will be opening on Saturday mornings from December 11, 2021, and then to after-hours hires from December 13, 2021. We continue to take a measured response to ensure community safety and compliance with state government requirements, and look forward to returning to full capacity in 2022.”
Ms Dumble said the council had met with the band on Thursday to explore a tailored solution to suit their requirements.
