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Charity folding: The Benevolent Society’s Chelsea branch will close its doors early next year after a federal funding application mix up. Picture: Gary Sissons
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Charity faces closure Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au A BUREAUCRATIC impasse could see the Chelsea branch of The Benevolent Society shut its doors early next year after 94 years helping the area’s disadvantaged with food parcels and vouchers. Chelsea branch president Frances Lean says an inadvertent error on an application form for $40,000 in federal funding, made every two years, means the Department of Social Services had no record of an application being made by the charity. “We applied for our funding but it seems our funding wasn’t registered with whoever it was sent to.” Ms Lean, the president of the Chelsea branch since the early 1990s, believes “a code error” on the application form may be to blame for the grant not being officially lodged. “It usually happened the same way every year but there must have been some glitch so it wasn’t actually recorded. We missed out on our funding totally.” She said the federal government department has advised there is no funding available for another two years. The charity will now close its Chelsea operations in February next year as a result of the funding shortfall. “We’ve got some food parcels, vouchers and
toys we have in reserve to give away. We’re using up what funds we have until Christmas and then our final meeting will be in February just to close everything off.” Disadvantaged families and individuals who need help are referred to The Benevolent Society by other crisis organisations, police and churches. The Benevolent Society is Australia’s oldest charity and celebrated its 200th anniversary two years ago. Federal Labor Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus has called on the federal government to intervene and restore funding to the Chelsea branch of the charity. “I was shocked to hear that the Chelsea Benevolent Society will be closing its doors for the last time this Christmas,” he said. “The Chelsea Benevolent Society is an institution of the Chelsea community and has been a key community organisation for the delivery of services to struggling families in Chelsea and surrounding suburbs.” A spokesman for Social Services Minister Christian Porter said: “The Commonwealth government values the role of charities and nongovernment organisations in our society”. “In 2014 the government undertook an $800 million grants round to support a broad range of vital frontline services that support communities. “Chelsea Benevolent Society did not lodge an application in that round.”
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Includes round bottom rail. Teardrop rail available at extra cost
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INTRO ROLLER BLIND MOTORS in either Remote Controlled or Wall Switch styles Remotes control sold separately
Leak prompts evacuation AN ammonia leak inside the Bread Solutions factory at Braeside on Friday (4 December) forced the evacuation of 50 staff. They walked 100 metres down along Mills Rd to a safe location. A refrigeration mechanic was called in to fix the problem, with one person later assessed by an ambulance crew. Staff were allowed back inside after 30 minutes. Picture: Gary Sissons
Gun charges
POLICE allegedly found a handgun at a house in Keith Av, Edithvale, Friday. They said the unregistered 9mm handgun, as well as ammunition, were found in a safe in the garage. A 40-year-old man was charged with possessing the gun and bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court in March. “It’s always concerning when members of the public arm themselves with guns. If other people know of anyone with guns they should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Detective Sergeant Nick Lamb, of Caulfield DIU, said.
Raid nets drugs, cash
DRUG Squad detectives allegedly found a “large amount of ecstasy and other drugs, including cocaine, speed and amphetamines” – as well as $30,000 cash – during a raid on a Latrobe St, Mentone, house, early Thursday morning last week. Detective Sergeant Nick Lamb, of Caulfield DIU, said a woman, 41, was charged with a “number of drug related matters” and bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court in March. “People who use and traffic drugs will feel the full force of the law,” he said.
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Wand Control Vertical Blinds in Solitaire Blockout Fabric only.
Cord operated available at additional cost.
*Conditions Apply Selected fabrics and finishes only. All pictures for illustration purposes only. See in store for full details. All quotes expire 23rd December 2015.
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www.jaleighblinds.com.au 50 Hartnett Drive, Seaford (Opposite Vic Roads) 9782 4142
19 Treloar Lane, Pakenham
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(Opposite Pakenham Central) 5940 3866 Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 9 December 2015
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