There were a couple of slingshots across the chamber as council voted on what might ordinarily be considered a fairly benign subject – grants for Seniors Week.
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A number of organisations had applied for a council grant specifically for Seniors Week activities, but the total requested came to more than the allocated $5000.
Council agreed, with councillor Keith Hughes abstaining, that all organisations should receive the grant they requested, with the extra $895 coming from the Financial Assistance Grants budget.
BVSC group manager of community relations and leisure Anthony Basford commented that the grants would assist in providing a great range of activities for the older members of the community during Seniors Week.
But when it came to voting on the allocations, which ranged from $120 to $500 for each of 13 organisations, Cr Hughes was against the motion. In his cross hairs were the Bega Valley Archers who had proposed an introductory day for seniors interested in trying their hand at archery.
“I support all of these applications except the archers,” Cr Hughes said.
“My concern is the impact of arrows on native wildlife; every year we see photographs of animals that have been hit by bows and arrows.
“Now I know that’s not the fault of this group and to an extent they help a more responsible attitude.
“However, the more bows and arrows there are in the community the more scope there is for them to fall into the wrong hands.
“I want to register my opposition on using taxpayers’ money for the archery activity,” Cr Hughes said.
Councillor Bill Taylor was quick to fire back.
“Would you be in support of the John Howard principle of a bow and arrow buyback?” he asked, creating some amusement among some other councillors.
It was then the turn of councillor Liz Seckold who took careful aim.
“I think this is a bit of deja vu, this has come up before. I’ve always said people in wheelchairs can have some exercise doing archery and that has happened in the past particularly with the youth and I dare say that there will be some elderly incapacitated elderly people who will benefit from it.”
The motion to approve the funding was finally carried with Cr Hughes voting against.
Organisations receiving grants for Seniors Week activities were:
- Bega Valley Meals on Wheels $500
- Bermagui U3A $500
- Bermagui & District Seniors Social Club $500
- Bega Seniors Citizens $500
- Bega Valley Archers $500
- Eden Killer Whale Museum Committee $350
- Eden Community Access Centre $500
- Imlay District Nursing Home $500
- Merimbula Tourism Inc. $500
- Merimbula Men’s Shed $120
- Pamboola Wetlands $450
- U3A Sapphire Coast $500
- Uniting Church $475
Total $5,895