Puddle Jumpers push for council to let them occupy the former neighbourhood centre

A not-for-profit organisation that helps disadvantaged kids is begging a southern suburbs local government to let them occupy a vacant building, but the council has other plans.

A former neighbourhood centre that now sits dormant could become a safe haven for struggling families but, the local council has made moves to knock the building down and sell off to developers.

The Mitchell Park Neighbourhood Centre which currently sits next to the Mitchell Park Kindergarten could become a food bank for struggling families thanks to the not-for-profit group Puddle Jumpers.

Puddle Jumpers Melanie Tate wants to call Marion's former Neighbourhood centre home.

The organisation heard about the space and approached Marion council about occupying the building.

“It would cost them (council) nothing,” Puddle Jumpers CEO and founder Melanie Tate said.

“We would cover all our own costs … there are so many people and their families struggling down south and we believe this would become a step in the right direction.”

The organisation, who currently operate out of Glandore and Hindmarsh, had began ‘drive by’ deliveries to those in need through the pandemic but has since scaled back that operation and are looking to expand into other neighbourhoods full time.

Their Hindmarsh location operates with an average 500 people a week, with a majority of those using public transport to get to the facility.

“There are needs here to be met,” Ms Tate said.

Melanie Tate (AAP/ Keryn Stevens)

“We are finding most vulnerable people can’t afford to go to other areas financially.

“We have spoken to a number of people in the community who support it and would be happy to help out.

“We have also liaised with the kindergarten in finding appropriate hours of operations.”

The Mitchell Park Neighbourhood Centre has been vacant since June 13, after the new Mitchell Park Sports and Community Centre opened.

After council completed a community consultation in April, to assist the future use of the site, it was later found to be a surplus and suitable for disposal on the open market subject to the successful revocation of community land classification.

“We have spoken to a number of people in the community who support it and would be happy to help out,” Ms Tate said.

“We have also liaised with the kindergarten in finding appropriate hours of operations.

“This is a win-win for the council and the community, I can’t see how it couldn’t be.”

Ms Tate gave a deputation on the matter at the recent Marion council meeting and will be informed at a later date on the decision.