By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A POLISH senior citizen club in Doveton has shut down after its modest community group grant was not renewed.
The Polish Forty Plus Club, which has 15 members aged up to 92 years, was established, thanks to a Home and Community Care state grant in 2015-’16.
A club petition to Casey council said the club was a “ray of light at the end of a dark lifetime” for one of Melbourne’s densest enclaves of residents of Polish background.
A Polish Community Council of Victoria team leader ‘Joanna’ said that as of 1 July, the funding ran out and the lights went out on the group.
The HACC funding is provided by the State Government and administered by Casey council.
‘Joanna’ said Casey had helped create a vital social outlet for the group members, many who don’t speak English and are otherwise isolated.
Casey provided a hall as well as a community bus to pick up group members.
The group met for exercise, games, crosswords, singing, art, crafts, outings and talks, as well as healthy meals provided by the PCCV.
The club boasts that it is one of the most active of the Polish planned activity groups in the region.
“Casey council did an amazing job. They were fantastic to us,” ‘Joanna’ said.
Member Maria Trofimiuk said she found the fortnightly group “so relaxing, rewarding and rejuvenating”.
“We just get together and have a jolly good time.
“People are happy and looking forward to coming there even if it’s only once a fortnight.”
Councillor Rafal Kaplon said the “one of a kind” group needed to re-apply for HACC funding.
He believed its application would be looked upon favourably, especially after submitting its petition.
“According to the last census, Endeavour Hills has the largest concentration of residents of Polish background.
“The intention of these funds is to make these groups self-funding, but I understand this group has only had one year of funding.
“It takes time to be self-funding.”
