By Corey Everitt
The condition of Pakenham Hall has been described by the local Rotary Club as ‘disgusting’ and plagued with ‘issues’ ever since it was taken under control by the council.
Pakenham Rotary Club president has called on Cardinia Shire Council to rectify the poor state of the community hall, reporting that their are issues with the condition and cleanliness of the hall ‘every month’.
President Ian Wake wrote to Mayor Jack Kowarzik describing the ‘unusable’ lavatories to having to clean the tables themselves, he said their monthly senior citizen’s dances are marked by issues.
“I have been organising this dance coming on 20 years, in the early days when I took this dance over from the SES the old hall was always perfect and very clean and the hall committee kept it in a fit and clean manner for the next hire,” Wake wrote.
“But sadly when the council took on the responsibility it has never ever been the same, every month we have issues and last night’s dance was no different from any other only to find the men’s toilets completely unusable.
“The round tables we always use are never clean thus leaving us to do it and further the chairs there need a thorough steam clean, some of them are disgusting and I believe the people in the council are not doing the job properly as has been laid down.”
The council’s Manager Buildings and Facilities, Mr Jarrad Unsworth said the council is committed to a ‘high standard’ of usability and cleanliness in the hall.
“The hall is cleaned twice weekly by Council contractors, with hirers also responsible for cleaning up after their use to help maintain the space between scheduled cleans. Additionally, the public toilets that are within this facility are cleaned twice daily,” Unsworth said.
“We will continue to work closely with our cleaning contractors to refine cleaning needs and respond to any issues as they arise.”
Wake recently organised this month’s dance where the men had to use the disabled toilets, he said that council should have organised a portable toilet if they cannot maintain the men’s toilets.
He called for the mayor to rectify the situation.
“I’m hoping you as mayor and councillor in my electorate can possibly help to rectify this situation,” Wake said.
“I would be very pleased to talk to you about it along other issues, I know a lot about our hall as I was on the hall committee some time back!”
Despite Wake’s correspondence, Unsworth said the council has not received complaints in recent months and that the current contract is soon to expire.
“While we have not received any complaints in recent months, we encourage patrons of the facility to provide feedback about any concerns to ensure we can address any issues and that the hall remains safe and welcoming for all.
“Renewal of Council’s cleaning contract for community facilities is expected to go out for tender early next year.”
