Good news for now

25th August 2011

Good news: Hornsby Council has deferred a decision on the fate of our bandhall and will now enter proper discussion with us about the issue. The vote was unanimous. We thank all Councillors for their support and for this sensible decision.

The support shown by our many friends around Australia – and internationally – was overwhelming. Councillors received a cascade of personal emails from people with compelling arguments and touching personal reflections. We thank all those who wrote.

We have been greatly encouraged by the broad community support. Week after week we attend rehearsals, plan for events, practice our instruments, and turn out to play. We tend to see things through the lens of the next concert or performance. This issue has been like pausing, to hold up a mirror and seeing that there is a huge community behind us that benefits from what we do, wishes us well, and needs us to continue.

Last night it was wonderful to have public assurances of support for what we do from Hornsby's councillors.

This is however a temporary reprieve, we have a long way to go. There are technical, heritage and financial issues to now consider. We will have the opportunity to do that in a workshop environment. This will be a far better process than the one followed to date.

It still would be open to Council to go ahead with the sale of our hall, but we hope that with continuing support we will be able to find a way to have it retained as a community facility, with the Golden Kangaroos as a long term tenant, at a community rated of lease that recognises the contribution our organisation makes to the community, fulfilling Council's objectives for social amenity in Hornsby.

We will keep you posted about further progress. For now, once again thank you for the support – it is greatly appreciated.

Stephen O'Doherty,
Musical Director

Links

25th August 2011:	Story in the Hornsby Advocate
20th August 2011:	Original letter requesting help
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