Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer says a federal and state lifeline could be available for the struggling YMCA Launceston if the charity worked out what she called "internal challenges."
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YMCA Launceston announced on Wednesday it would need to close its doors to its 500 members by early June if they didn't receive an urgent injection of government and council funding.
"The YMCA is an integral part of our community and I certainly want to see the organisation succeed so they can continue to deliver much-needed programs to our region," Ms Archer said.
"I have recently met with the YMCA and believe both the federal and state governments could play a role in supporting the organisation once they have resolved some of their current internal challenges."
According to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission, Launceston YMCA reported a $205,000 loss in 2020 and is three months overdue reporting its 2021 financial report as of April 28.
Centre manager Rachel Dobson said the organisation had reached out to the City of Launceston council, Tasmania's Department of Sport and Recreation as well as Ms Archer.
Ms Dobson said they have asked for $400,000 over three years.
"It doesn't sound like a lot, but it hasn't translated into actual funding," Ms Dobson said.
In response to Ms Archer's comments about the YMCA's internal challenges, Ms Dobson said they had worked "transparently" with all levels of government in their ongoing conversations seeking support to keep centre open.
"The support of government is vital for us to continue to operate this council-owned facility and make a difference," she said.
"We have shared our three-year business plan with clear governance in place that outlines how we can continue to service the community going forward. Our plan includes medium to long-term options to keep providing the services and opportunities our community needs. The Y is hopeful of the urgent support needed today."
Optimal Community Support service workers Carly Roughley and Hugh King said they are shocked the YMCA will shut its doors due to funding.
Mr King is a support worker and support administration officer, he has spent the past 12 months taking participants to the nearby facility.
"The YMCA allows us to put a program together where we do a basketball group every week," Mr King said.
Mr King said there aren't other facilities in Launceston which would be affordable for Optimal.
"Providing these opportunities to take part, social engagement and participation in team sport isn't as easily accessible all the time for people with disability," he said.
Ebony Dingemanse was the first participant at Optimal when it opened in 2017.
"I'm a very routine person," Ms Dingemanse said. "I felt a bit let down."
Ms Roughley is also a disability support worker and has been working at Optimal for 12 months.
"It's a brilliant place. It's another thing we really need in Launceston that is just going to be taken away, Ms Roughley said.
The City of Launceston has announced they will not be able to help YMCA Launceston.
"The YMCA has made a positive contribution to Launceston over many years; however the City of Launceston is not in a position to provide additional funds for such a significant shortfall, Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said.
"The City of Launceston already operates a variety of community sport and recreation facilities across the municipality.
"The council has a responsibility to consider a wide range of community priorities while also ensuring financially sustainable decisions are made that do not add additional pressure to our ratepayers."
State Sport and Recreation Minister Nic Street said the Department of Communities Tasmania have met with representatives from the Launceston YMCA to discuss the concerns for the future of the facility.
"I have asked for further advice from the Department following those discussions and I plan to meet with Launceston YMCA once I have received that advice,," Mr Street said.
Bass Labor candidate Ross Hart said he and Bass Labor MHA Michelle O'Byrne have met with Launceston YMCA to discuss the matter.
"We have significant concern this has been allowed to occur," Mr Hart said.
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