DIK and the Geelong City Council

The Geelong City Council has declared the entire Osborne House precinct closed for the foreseeable future!!!

The Council was advised of some serious safety issues (mould) in the main historical building as well as in the Maritime Museum. Our area was not affected to the same degree. However, the Council has decided to put the whole area out of bounds until all the mould is removed.

This is likely to take a considerable time as it may involve removing ceilings and floors in some areas. The entire Maritime Museum collection has to be cleaned and removed so the building can be checked.

Unfortunately, they will not let us reopen until the mould is removed. 

At the same time, the old petrol tanks which are located around the entrance to our area are being removed – this is in progress now.

The Council officers are sympathetic to our situation as it is different to the other groups who use Osborne House for meetings and alternative offices are being made available to them. It is possible that the Council, being aware of our needs, may be able to offer us an alternative site.

 I regret that this has happened as it will completely stop DIK from operating.  I know that this will also inconvenience many people in many different ways. I sincerely hope that, once we restart, either at a temporary site or back at Osborne House, you will be able to re-join us.

I will keep you informed of progress and meanwhile thank you all for your support and look forward to seeing you again in due course.

 

Your sincerely

 

Anton Van Doornik

Chairman

 

PS. There is one exception. We will be loading one more container for PNG. There is a team committed to go, and the council will make special arrangements for us to load this container. No other work will be permitted.