On Friday, St Kilda PCYC CEO Chris Potaris released an impassioned media statement announcing the pause.
“The Board has resolved to postpone the proposed sale of the Inkerman Street facility, calling on all levels of government, philanthropic bodies, and members of the community for urgent support,” he wrote.
“The Board and CEO of St Kilda PCYC deeply understand the value of our Inkerman Street facility, not only as a building but as a community hub that has supported, welcomed, and empowered many people for decades. Contrary to recent media stories, political and community commentary, and social media posts, the Board and CEO do not want to see our facility closed or sold.”
“The Board and CEO are proud of what the Club does, the people it represents, and the many different community demographics it serves. Despite all of this, one very simple fundamental question remains: who is paying for all of this?”
The bottom line was a funding shortfall, and Potaris wrote:
“We are facing a limited window of time to turn around our financial position before we are forced to sell our facility. To remain viable, we require $350,000 per annum to continue operating this much-loved community hub as we have in the past.”
Political punching bag
After announcing the sale decision and a refocus on youth programs, the PCYC has faced a range of critics, including local MP Josh Burns, Greens Senator Hodgins-May, gym members and community gym hirers. Burns told TWiSK he would respond to the board on Monday [29 Sep].
A petition opposing the gym sale, organised by the parent of a 7-year-old who plays basketball at Inkerman Street, has gathered over 1,000 signatures.
On Saturday, a breakfast BBQ organised by the Greens attracted about 50 people who were concerned about the sale.
The audience was alive with discussions of legal challenges, special general meetings, and moves to garner support from other local organisations.
There were calls for the proposed sale of gym equipment on October 3 to also be paused.
Clearly, egg and cheese sandwiches were not the only thing being cooked up.
Hope that common ground can still be found
Underneath all the heat and fury, there is some common ground. Both the Board and their detractors are keen to have a discussion based on facts. It is apparent that the shock news of the sale has fostered an atmosphere of distrust and accusation. Bad news tends to do that.
Volunteer boards are obliged to face financial realities, but they need to talk to their community when issues arise. Those talks need to be fact based or conspiracy theories grow like weeds on steroids. Likewise, detractors can try to have open minds and seek common ground.
But just as you do not miss your water until the well dries, the imminent closure has focused both sides of the story on the value of their community goodwill. That is not something to be taken for granted or used for any type of gain – financial, political, or ego.
And while the PCYC’s mission is to “empower youth for life,” it finds itself in a struggle for organisational life. Will it be CPR or heart surgery or both?
