TWO Riverland councils have decided to stop providing regional support for a program which assists sporting clubs in creating safe and welcoming environments and long-term sustainability.
Renmark Paringa and Berri Barmera councillors both passed motions at their respective general meetings last month to cease the regional co-ordination of the State Government’s StarClub development program, meaning Riverland clubs who are part of the program will not receive local support.
A Renmark Paringa Council spokesperson said time constraints on funding for the program meant finding a short-term StarClub community development officer – a role previously filled by Hayley Ashworth and Laura Davies – was unviable.
“The StarClub officer role is currently vacant and the funding agreement with the South Australian Government is due to expire in June,” the spokesperson said.
“Experience has shown that the most critical factor for achieving success within the StarClub program is having the time to invest in relationships.
“It is critical that there is sufficient time to invest in building and developing relationships with clubs, before tangible outcomes can be achieved.
“With only 10 months remaining of the funding agreement, the position will not be refilled and council will cease the regional co-ordination of the StarClub program.”
However, at Berri Barmera Council’s ordinary meeting, councillor Andrew Kassebaum said he was “staggered” by the motion, and that he felt councillors had been “bullied into this decision”.
“I do not understand the mentality because clubs need support now,” he said.
The motion to endorse the cessation of the regional co-ordination of the StarClub program was passed, with councillors Andrew Kassebaum, Adrian Little and Ella Winnall dissenting from the majority.
Berri Barmera CEO Karyn Burton said the $19,855 allocated by council for the StarClub program would be used to assist local clubs in other ways throughout the financial year.