Aurous announces program cuts and move from Nundah centre

An organisation which has helped relieve isolation and loneliness for north Brisbane seniors for more than 40 years has announced it is cutting most of its programs and moving.

Aurous began in 1976 to reduce isolation and loneliness for local seniors.

AN organisation which has helped relieve isolation and loneliness for north Brisbane seniors for more than 40 years has announced it is cutting most of its programs and moving out.

Aurous, which is head lessee at Nundah Activity Centre, has announced it is “terminating” all but one of its services and will be vacating the building by June 30.

The move means many smaller community groups who use the Brisbane City Council-owned building are in limbo while they search for new premises.

Nundah Activity Centre in Jenner St. Picture: Michelle Smith

Aurous began in 1976 when members of Nundah Rotary, Lions and Quota clubs got together to build a centre to reduce isolation for local seniors.

“Since that day Aurous has evolved to be an organisation devoted to reducing the isolation and loneliness in seniors and improving their wellness outcomes and quality of life,” the Aurous website states.

It offered a number of services for seniors including a digital connection program, visiting programs matching volunteers with seniors of different backgrounds, and a free radio streaming service.

However on February 27 Aurous CEO Rachael Cook announced on Facebook that, “with the heaviest of hearts”, from July 1 Aurous would operate only a small core Community Visitor Scheme program “and will be terminating all other services”.

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Ms Cook said Aurous was underperforming in all programs and faced increasing risks in delivering to targets.

“If these programs continue, there is a risk of Aurous being placed into receivership and it is unlawful to operate if the business is insolvent,” she said.

“The choices came down to closing the business or identifying what, if any, activity had potential to be revised and continue.

“The only program that was able to be revised and continue with some funding is the Community Visitor Scheme program.

“Programs that depend upon grant funding are not meeting required targets and funding is likely to be reduced or removed, and the current budget and building are not able to be modernised to meet increasing safety standards.

“A number of programs that run onsite, including all member activities, run at an expense to the organisation and the associated costs to maintain these offerings required additional funds that do not exist.”

Nundah Activity Centre. Picture: Michelle Smith

On March 4, Aurous Board chair Jen Ulichny said, on Facebook, the organisation had also struggled to maintain the building.

“We have worked very closely with Brisbane City Council and they have been nothing but extremely supportive during these difficult decisions,” Ms Ulichny said.

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“To be clear, we have not been forced out and BCC has made every effort to help us find a way forward. However, we must give up this lease for something more affordable, and that fits the services that will continue.

“As BCC owns the building and we are just tenants, therefore it is BCC’s decision what happens to the building and they are considering different proposals for the future of the space.

“We will ensure there is no disruptions to services for our clients, and members will be provided with options and assistance in making these changes.”