Bass Coast Shire Council has beennotified by the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) that it isfacing serious financial difficulties after recently discovering an historicstaff underpayment issue.
The not-for-profit organisationhas been an integral part of the fabric of Bass Coast for decades and itprovides essential services for many vulnerable members of our community,including emergency food relief. Demand for their services, largely deliveredby community volunteers, has risen during the cost-of-living crisis.
Finding a solution to this issueis a priority for Council to ensure vulnerable members of our communitycontinue to be supported. Council has already held urgent discussions withPICAL management and local Bass Coast MP Jordan Crugnale who has briefed theState Government. We will explore all options to ensure these importantand much needed services continue to bedelivered.
PICAL management has confirmed toCouncil that it will continue to provide services while these talks continue.
Council currently provides a discounted lease arrangement to PICAL at WarleyAvenue, Cowes and Blue Gum Reserve. Council hasthis year provided grants to help PICAL betterservice the community by funding the purchase four accessible gardens beds to grow foodto be distributed to the community, a new cash register system,training and small facility upgrades.
