YMCA Launceston: Centre to close in weeks without new funding

A Tasmanian YMCA will shut its doors forever after failing to convince any level of government to provide emergency funding to keep its doors open.

A 140-year-old Tasmanian YMCA will close in a matter of weeks unless it receives emergency funding, with just $400,000 over three years required to give the centre an opportunity to rebuild after Covid-19 gutted its participation notice.

A northern Tasmanian YMCA which has been in operation for more than 140 years will shut it doors forever in early June after failing to win emergency funding from any level of government.

Launceston YMCA centre manager Rachael Dobson previously told The Mercury the centre required emergency funding of just $400,000 over three years to remain viable.

However, on Tuesday, Ms Dobson confirmed no funding was forthcoming.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to secure the emergency lifeline funding required to keep our doors open,” she said.

“Programs will run as usual until our last day on Saturday, June 4.

“The priority over the next three weeks will be in continuing to support staff (of which there are 26) in finding alternative employment, assisting where we can in finding other services that may suit our members, and working with council on exiting the building.

“This is a deeply sad time for our community and our staff.

“While this is not the outcome we hoped for, we have been encouraged by your support over the last few weeks.”

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said council would work with the local basketball association and any other groups to enable them to continue to use the indoor courts until a more permanent arrangement can be put in place.

He said council had already financially supported the YMCA by providing a full rate and rent remission, and allowing them to pocket $40,000 per annum from an adjacent council carpark which was sublet.

Both major parties federally said it was a state government responsibility to extend the lifeline.Sport Minister Nic Street said the YMCA had not provided a “viable business case to maintain its existing operations into the future.”

EARLIER, April 28: Launceston YMCA centre manager Rachael Dobson said it was with a “heavy heart” management had decided the facility could not continue beyond June 4 unless “emergency lifeline funding is received”.

“This is a deeply sad time for us and our 26 employees, of which more than 20 per cent are made up of young people and apprentices building their careers,” she said.

“We do ask for kindness towards our staff at this very uncertain time.”

Ms Dobson said the effects of Covid-19 was one of but not the only factor behind the decision.

“When we closed for six weeks (because of the statewide lockdown), half of our sporting teams left and didn’t return,” she said.

YMCA Launceston employee of nine-and-a-half years Emily Olendrowski and centre manager Rachael Dobson. Picture: Alex Treacy

Ms Dobson said that although $400,000 was the minimum amount required to ensure the centre’s viability for the next three years, a greater injection of funds would help them clear a backlog of capital works.

She said the centre hoped to install heating in the sports halls, upgrade the outdoor play space, and refurbish the lobby.

Ms Dobson also said the centre’s website and online booking system also needed an update.

However, all that is “secondary to meeting the needs of our customers” – by staying open and viable, she said.

“We continue to offer council and government partners immediate to medium-term solutions to keep servicing our local community, but without urgent financial support, all operations will end by early June and council will then retain the building,” Ms Dobson said.

In an email sent to the YMCA community on Wednesday afternoon, Ms Dobson urged customers to continue using the centre and advocate for its future by lobbying government representatives.

In a statement provided to The Mercury, Minister for Sport and Recreation Nic Street said the door hadn’t closed on the state government coming to YMCA’s rescue.

“The Department of Communities Tasmania has met with representatives from the Launceston YMCA to discuss the concerns for the future of the facility,” he said.

“As minister, I have asked for further advice from the Department following those discussions and I plan to meet with Launceston YMCA once I have received that advice.”

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said that although the YMCA has made and continues to make a “positive contribution” to the city over the years, council was unable to assist financially.