MP Chris Gualptis explains why he was left out of the loop

‘Normal protocol with these government assets is to contact the Member for that area to advise of the situation’

Kshawn Duroux shows some superman try-scoring style at the Camellia Cottage fun day at JJ Lawrence Field in 2017.

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis has revealed why he knew nothing about the planned sale of South Grafton community centre Camellia Cottage.

“The first I heard about it being up for sale was when I read it in the paper, which was pretty disappointing,” he said.

“Normal protocol with these government assets is to contact the Member for that area to advise of the situation.”

However, when Mr Gulaptis made inquiries, he soon realised why he’d been left out of the loop.

“Camellia Cottage belongs to the Land and Housing Corporation,” he said.

“It’s a state-owned corporation, but as a corporation, it has its own board members and charter which is probably why I was never informed about the intention to sell because it falls outside those normal protocols.”

Mr Gulaptis said that after speaking with Minister for Housing Melinda Pavey, it’s understood that the sale has been withdrawn and Camellia Cottage will be transferred to the Aboriginal Housing Office for future negotiations with the Aboriginal Land Council.

“While this is positive news, at the same time it’s sad to see that it came to this because Camellia Cottage is probably one of the best Indigenous community programs I’ve seen,” he said.

Since being established over two decades ago by Pastor Jon Baker and his wife Lorraine, Camellia Cottage has also been the recipient of several benefactors over the years including the Grafton District Services Club, Yulgilbar Foundation and several grants on behalf of Mr Gulaptis.

“It’s such an amazing grassroots program that I’m sure everyone would like to see continue,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Maybe now with these new movements, we can see the phoenix fly again.”

A meeting about the future of Camellia Cottage will be held at the Ngerrie Aboriginal Land Council, 50 Wharf St, South Grafton on Thursday, April 22 at 10am.