A deputation presented by Bruce Carle to Clarence Valley Councillors and Council staff last week prior to the commencement of the Ordinary Monthly Meeting of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) on September 18 received plenty of admiration after it highlighted the potential to utilise a vacant premises and secure the long-term future of two wellknown community groups.

As the Treasurer of the Grafton U3A Inc and Shed Coordinator for the Grafton U3A Men’s Shed, Mr Carle touched on the many positive impacts the community groups have demonstrated throughout the past two decades within the Clarence Valley, namely by bringing residents together in a safe and inclusive environment for the purposes of learning and developing new skills while also enjoying the benefits associated with social interaction.

Currently based at the Old Brewery Industrial Complex in Grafton, Mr Carle revealed the community groups have until June 30, 2026, to vacate the location, adding he has spent “close to five years” searching for a suitable new premises to relocate to, subsequently ensuring their ongoing operations. 

As part of his proposal, Mr Carle said the South Grafton Pool and Boyd Nattrass Complex, which was closed to the public earlier this year when Clarence Valley Councillors voted in support of the officer’s recommendation to seek Expressions Of Interest (EOI) to dispose of the site, presented a unique opportunity for both community groups to continue their respective services.

Mr Carle explained that he envisioned the Grafton U3A Inc and the Grafton U3A Men’s Shed having specific areas of the facility allocated to each group.

Both community groups also recently submitted an EOI to Council regarding the potential usage of the premises.

“Members of the Grafton U3A Inc would use the gym area for courses, group meetings, and workshops, while the Grafton U3A Men’s Shed would occupy the northern end of the gym, continuing our long-standing tradition of providing members with a place to engage in hands-on activities, share skills, and contribute to the community,” he said.

Mr Carle also outlined the proposed facility improvements put forward by the community groups which included the building of two new toilets on the western side of the location (one unisex and one accessible for disabled persons), the establishment of a shared meal room, the addition of an office space on the eastern side to support administrative functions, the construction of a ramp at the western entrance to allow the site to be accessible for everyone, the installation of a roller door on the eastern side for ease of deliveries and pick-ups, the placement of a machine work area and dust extractor along the western wall and northwest corner to provide a safe working environment, and the inclusion of two containers for timber storage at the northern end of the complex, which would be discreetly hidden or beautified to improve the aesthetics of the structure.

He said floors could be placed over the 25m indoor pool and hydrotherapy pool on site to create an area which could also potentially be utilised by other community groups in the future, given the substantial size of the building, therefore creating what he described as a much-needed community hub.

“This complex was built for community use, so why not keep it that way?” he asked.

Mr Carle said if Council were open to leasing the premises to the community groups he represented, they would ask for a rate in line with that of a not-for-profit organisation and seek clarity on what additional costs they may need to cover.

“We understand that Council may have access to grants that could assist with the redevelopment of the complex, and we would be happy to collaborate with them to explore these options,” Mr Carle said.

If Council intend to sell the building, Mr Carle said the community groups respectfully ask if they would consider offering it to them for a nominal fee of $1, with no additional rates, adding they would take on the responsibility of insurance and maintenance while working on further improvements through grants and fundraising efforts.

“The Grafton U3A Men’s Shed has been serving the local community for 20 years this November, and we are deeply committed to continuing our work,” he said.

“Over the years, we have contributed to numerous local projects and provided a safe space for men to connect while helping to improve the lives of many in the community.

“It would be a great loss to see us close our doors after two decades of service.

“This proposal represents not just a building, but a continuation of vital community support that impacts hundreds of residents in the Clarence Valley.

“The building fits in with our present time constraints and costings compared to trying to build a new premises which may cost between $800,000 and $1 million, with no guarantee of available funding.

“I ask the Council to consider the importance of this facility for our community and the valuable work done by both the Grafton U3A Inc and the Grafton U3A Men’s Shed.

“Allowing us to lease and utilise this space would ensure that we can continue our mission of providing education, social connection, and practical support to the community.”

As he answered questions from Clarence Valley Councillors Novak, Johnstone, and Yager, following his deputation, Mr Carle revealed the community groups had “worked pretty hard to save up $200,000 over the last five years”, with the funds to be allocated towards the redevelopment of the location outlined in his proposal “depending on what Council agrees to.”

Mr Carle later told the Clarence Valley Independent he had spoken with Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ray Smith regarding his deputation and said he was hopeful of receiving a positive response from Council in the coming weeks. 

Other options presented to Council

Council sought expressions of interest for the sale or reuse of the South Grafton Pool and Boyd Nattrass Complex earlier this year, with submissions closing on July 3.

Four submissions were received, but Council stated none of them included a confirmed purchase price. Three proposals suggested management or lease arrangement, and another was received from a buyer’s agent without identifying a purchaser or the provision of a price. Other proposed usage for the building included turning the site into a hydrotherapy facility, affordable housing, public green space, or the creation of a sports rehabilitation centre.

Last week, Clarence Valley Councillors voted unanimously on the officer’s recommendation of running a new, probity-managed EOI to explore interest in joint ventures or partnerships, investigating external grants to offset development costs, and bringing a detailed report back to Council before any decision is made about rezoning or selling the property. 

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 24 September 2025.