‘Not significant debts’: Administrators appointed for Alice Springs Animal Shelter as council takes care of animals
More details have emerged about the Alice Springs Animal Shelter entering administration, with the council taking over operations in the interim.
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Employees have been left jobless after a Red Centre animal shelter entered liquidation, as the local council says it has taken over the shelter to look after the animals and keep it operational.
The Alice Springs Animal Shelter entered administration on Monday evening, July 15, hours after the committee met and deemed it “would not be able to meet the costs of running the shelter”, administrator from Rodgers Reidy Stuart Reid said.
This is despite them not owing a “significant amount” in debts – according to Mr Reid.
With the administrators appointed, the animal shelter opened for one last day on Tuesday – the final day for employees – before Alice Springs Town Council took over shelter operations as of Wednesday, July 17.
Alice Springs Town Council director of community development Nicole Battle said the council outsourced the shelter in 2006 in a move which was not “uncommon”.
“It’s been a very successful partnership since then,” she said.
“Unfortunately, what’s happened to this committee is no different than what’s happening to voluntary committees all over Australia that times are tough.”
Ms Battle said the council had taken over operations of the shelter in the interim, or “as long as it’s needed”.
“Over the next sort of three weeks, the liquidator will meet with creditors and from there, they will make a decision as to the future of that organisation,” she said.
“We’re a bit guided by the liquidator – we’re here because they wants us to be.”
Mr Reid said at no point had the animals at the shelter been left unattended, with Alice Springs Animal Shelter employees caring for the animals until their shifts ended on Tuesday, before the council took over on Wednesday.
“Regrettably, their (Alice Springs Animal Shelter) employment ended at the end the end of their shifts yesterday,” he said.
Ms Battle said the council potentially re-employing the animal shelter employees was an “option”.
“We’re having those conversations the liquidator and with the shelter,” she said.
“I’m reluctant to speculate too much without knowing what the outcome of the voluntary administration is.”
Mr Reid said the employees – one permanent staff member and a number of casuals – would be paid up to their final shift.
“We’ll continue to deal with the those that are owed money by the association, and they’re not significant – they’re not significant debts,” he said.
While the shelter is under interim care from the council, Alice Springs Town Council ranger manager Luke Allen said the best way to get in touch with the shelter was through the council on 8950 0500.
“Speak to the ranger unit and we’ll take it from there,” he said.
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