Friends of Willow Court
Media Release
A Derwent Valley Council decision has resulted in the cancellation of the Long Table Dinner Bushfire Fundraiser at Willow Court on 23 February 2013.
At the Derwent Valley Council meeting on Thursday 21 February a motion was moved to have the agenda item to increase the membership of the Friends of Willow Court, to sit on the table until the following meeting, this Motion was carried.
It appears that the Councilors had not been made aware that the people listed were needed to ensure adequate numbers for catering purposes, and compliance with serving of alcohol legislation.
The nine people listed for approval by Council had contacted the Friends of Willow Court specifically to help with the Long Table Dinner. Among these people were a chef, three people with the Responsible Serving of Alcohol certificate and people experienced in catering.
As a result of the Council’s decision the Friends of Willow Court have no option but to cancel the Long Table Dinner Bushfire fundraiser.
Numerous businesses and individuals across Tasmania and some from interstate had supported the event with thousands of dollars worth of donations including food, alcohol, items for the silent auction, and in kind support.
In excess of 80 tickets were sold and together with the silent auction it was anticipated that a minimum of $5000 would have been raised for the Red Cross and Bonorong Bushfire appeal.
People who have booked and are known to Friends of Willow Court committee members will be contacted and advised to seek a refund from the Derwent Valley Council office. People who have booked and are un-contactable will be met at the gates of Willow Court at 6.30 pm on 23 February and advised to also contact the Derwent Valley Council for a refund.
As a volunteer group the Friends of Willow Court are bitterly disappointed that the hard work and enthusiasm they have put into organizing the event has not been supported by Derwent Valley Council elected members.
Anne Salt
Chairperson
Friends of Willow Court
0419213232
Tonight the General Manager of the Derwent Valley Council confirmed that Cr, Judy Bromfield knew about the need for people to run the Long Table Fire Fundraising event at Willow Court tonight and knew the consequences of her plan to defer new (Insured)Members of the Willow Court Committee well before she moved a motion on Thursday Night’s Council Meeting to stop the event.
