Lifeline South East has received the thumbs up from councillors to be the new tenant at the back of the Town Hall on Ormerod St, but not as a shop front or office.
Essentially, it will operate as a call centre for local volunteers and be linked as part of the national service’s 24-hour suicide prevention help line – 13 11 14.
With minimal rent to be charged, if any, it is being seen as an opportunity for the council to give back to the community.
The space was previously used as an office by the former Member for MacKillop Mitch Williams.
In a report to Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s December 22 meeting, CEO Trevor Smart said Lifeline was seeking to increase their volunteers for the 24/7 national telephone service in satellite centres.
That included setting up in Naracoorte, “subject to finding an appropriate space, and then local volunteers”.
“I have met with Lifeline on a number of occasions to discuss their approach – and identified the vacant office space at the rear of the Naracoorte Town Hall … as a possible suitable site,” said Mr Smart in his written report.
“We have recently leased ‘window frontage’ space at that office to ANZ for their ATM, and that lease doesn’t preclude us utilising (the) remainder of space.”
Mr Smart said the council received $10,000 per annum for allowing it to be there.
“Given that we are already receiving revenue for this space, this provides an opportunity for community service use, possibly at a lesser cost,” he said.
“Lifeline only proposes to use the space for call centre purposes, with no drop-in service, or shop front presence.
“The current office space is more ideally suited for such a purpose rather than (a) shop front – as it only has one entry/exit point – front door.”
Mr Smart said Lifeline was aware that their request needed to be considered by the elected council.
“It is envisaged that Lifeline would cover any set-up costs, utilities, cleaning etcetera – but with their approach being one that would pay minimal rent -if any,” he said.
There were no questions or debate. Cr Grundy moved that councillors approve Lifeline South East to use the space, and Mr Smart be authorised to negotiate the terms and conditions of a lease.
Cr Peter Ireland seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
