At the November meeting of Balranald Shire Council, councillors moved to review the current Donations, Subsidies and Financial Assistance Policy.

Written in 2017 and due for review in 2019, Cr Iain Lindasy-Field called the policy “antiquated and out of touch.”

The discussions into the policy was prompted by three requests for support, tabled at the November meeting.

Ian and Kate Weaver requested a $500 donation towards the fundraising efforts of Mildura Health Foundation to support the building and furnishing of the Dr Julie Zrna Centre.

“The Dr Julie Zrna Centre will provide accommodation at little, to no cost for rural and remote patients receiving radiation treatment at the Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre,” The Weaver’s letter read.

Robinvale Euston Rotary Club requested a donation of $500 towards their annual Christmas carnival and Balranald Pony Club asked for $1,059 garbage charges be waived.

Under the current policy, Council was unable to approve any of the requests. At present the policy states donations can only be made in two rounds, closing in July and January, to a maximum of $500.

The policy further states requests for financial support for organisation outside the Balranald Shire are not permitted.

The Councillors unanimously agreed that support towards facilities such as the Mildura cancer treatment centre has a great benefit to local residents, despite being outside the shire.

Cr Dwaine Scott suggested a donation from the Iluka Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) be used to support the Dr Julie Zrna Centre, which will be considered by Council at the December meeting.

Cr Alison Linnett further suggested allocating an annual donation to the centre in Council’s budget.

Discussions were held regarding the charging of garbage rates to Balranald Pony Club, which Deputy Mayor Dwaine Scott said was an unexpected expense to the volunteer organisation.

“Can’t the fee be waived and credited back to them, to save that money coming out of the donations budget?” Cr Scott asked.

“It’s got to come from somewhere,” Acting General Manager Glenn Carroll said.

“We need to bring this (policy) up to date, to reflect the type of council we are, which is a progressive council,” Cr Lindsay-Field said.

The policy will be reviewed at the December meeting.