By JESSE GRAHAM
A SALVATION Army volunteer has hit out at the organisation for its recent refurbishment of the Healesville Salvation Army Hall, and branded the works as a “desecration”.
But a Salvos youth pastor has responded to the criticism, and said the works were part of a move to becoming a youth-oriented organisation.
Maureen Garlick contacted the Mail last week, incensed by the recent announcement that the Salvos had re-painted and re-carpeted the hall to create a youth drop in centre- The Lounge.
When completed, young people will be able to visit The Lounge out of hours, with youth workers on-hand during opening hours.
Ms Garlick said the works, which include painting the walls black, were “desecrating” the church where she was married 40 years ago.
“I find it absolutely disgusting,” she said.
“My mother-in-law was in the Salvation Army and my husband was when he was a boy – his mother’s funeral was there.
“To see what they’re doing to it, I think there would be a few ladies turning in their graves.”
Ms Garlick said the changes would prevent someone from having an event, such as a wedding or a funeral, in the hall.
“They do need a place in Healesville for some young ones, but don’t degrade the church like that.”
But youth pastor Troy Jansen said the works were not permanent, and had been the subject of discussion since the beginning of the year.
“With a group of key people who are actually actively involved, the conversation about a youth drop-in centre and where we’re moving has been out there,” he said.
“It was very known what was going on.”
Mr Jansen said that, to one-day return the hall to its former state, the paint and the carpet would simply need to be replaced.
He said he believed the benefits of having a youth centre in town outweighed the criticism of the changes.
“We’ll be able to give our young people a space to hang out and connect with people, which is a win considering there is no space like that in Healesville,” he said.
“I would be saying to people – change is a consistent thing, so let’s get on board and stop obsessing over the little things.”
Ms Garlick raised concerns that the works were being completed without a council permit, and that the matter had been raised with the Yarra Ranges Council.
Yarra Ranges Council’s manager of Community Compliance, David Clarkson, said no permit had been issued for the hall, but that one may not have been required.
“A building permit isn’t required for a re-painting,” he said.
“However, a building permit would usually be required for alterations to a public hall, depending on the nature and extent of the works.
“We will investigate further to determine if there are any building or planning compliance issues.”
