Meeting to save vital FABS

By Jonathon Howard

MORE THAN 150 members of the Banora Point Community Centre attended a workshop on Wednesday, August 2, to discuss the future of the centre and its popular Fun Activities for Banora Seniors program (FABS).

The workshop was facilitated by Better Cities Group and was attended by Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis and Councillor Nola Firth.

Residents are concerned that a withdrawal of funds by the federal government is putting the FABS program at risk, with funding set to cease in December.

However, Mayor Cherry said she and her fellow councillors have “heard loud and clear that these programs are incredibly important to our community”.

“It was obvious that when people come together to crochet, to paint, to play mahjong or the ukulele, what they are getting is friendship, connection, counselling and support that is invaluable for keeping people independently living in their own homes, invaluable for keeping people well and connected in our increasingly isolated society and invaluable for providing a place that people feel safe,” Mayor Cherry said.

“Council is committed to working with the FABS committee to find a way forward to ensure that this program is continued.”

Mayor Cherry said several hurdles will need to be overcome to maintain FABS, but she’s determined to find a way forward.

“Unfortunately, the federal funding that used to pay for this program is being withdrawn so we have to find a new way to fund it,” she said.

“Whether this is through increased hire of the Community Centre during the five days that the FABS programs do not use the centre each week, or whether the funding will come from another source, is what we are currently working through with the committee.

“I believe the FABS program has an incredibly bright future and will continue to be the hub of connection and support for a long time to come.”

At the end of the session Mayor Cherry addressed the group, assuring them that FABS will continue and council supports it, but was unable to say under what model.

“People left the meeting with a feeling