The hard-working Cobar Senior Citizens Amenities Organisation Inc, better known as the Brennan Centre Committee, held its annual general meeting last Wednesday night with 14 people in attendance.
The volunteer committee oversees the community-owned Brennan Centre, which provides affordable, self-contained accommodation for Cobar’s older residents, particularly aged pensioners.
The units are rented at moderate rates, allowing residents to live independently close to the CBD and within easy reach of shops, the supermarket, pharmacy, doctors, the post office and other services.
The centre also provides a community environment where residents can socialise.
The volunteer committee manages the complex, including applications, maintenance and fundraising.
It receives no ongoing government funding and relies on donations, fundraising and community support.
Barry Knight was returned as president, with Stephen Dutton continuing as vice president and Colleen Boucher as treasurer.
Troy Knight was elected secretary, while outgoing secretary Samantha Smith will take on the role of grants officer.
Pauline Hunter and Emily Harvey were also elected to the committee to represent residents’ interests.
The committee discussed a number of projects at the AGM, including its Master Plan which proposes that six new units will be built in Bloxham Street and the existing hall be demolished in the future and a new hall be constructed in an adjacent location.
Re-locating the new hall will free up space in the existing main complex for more new units to be built on site.
The committee announced it had received $20,000 through ClubGrants from the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club to install ramps at three units which currently have stairs.
Other matters discussed at the meeting included a new BBQ area, possible Federal grant opportunities, holding an Open Day and developing a new residence tenancy agreement.
The centre currently has a waiting list of six people, highlighting the ongoing need for senior housing in Cobar.
