Classes at the Carrum Community Hall will cease on 31 March.  Despite dozens of letters to Council and requests from Sonya Kilkenny MP, Kingston Council refuses to extend the licence for hall hire or offer alternative venues.  Paw Behaviour classes will no longer be run in Carrum.

Many people are still calling, expecting to be able to book in for group classes & are upset to learn we can no longer offer them.  Many of our clients have disability and require ongoing training towards a Public Access Test (which can only be conducted after a dog a 12 months old).  These families are seriously disadvantaged now and will not be able to afford private lessons.

Let's clear up some history! - Carrum Community Hall is the only local venue which provides a safe environment with inside and outside fenced area which is suitable for baby puppies.  Between 1999 and 2001 I held discussions with Council and provided information to substantiate benefits of a professionally run puppy school in our community.  In 2001 I ran for Council and the elected local councillor, Trevor Shewan and Management of Kingston Council were very supportive of classes to benefit dog owners.

In 2001 and again 2009, I was offered a community based rate of hire at the hall, as Kingston Council determined that the work I did supported our community and contributed to responsible pet ownership and council's Domestic Animal Management Plan.  In 2014 I was asked to sign a 3 year licence.  Council has not approached me to discuss renewal of the licence since.

The big question is why can't the hall be used for community activities which benefit the community?  A lot of money is directed to sporting clubs, but very little towards responsible pet ownership or helping people learn about their responsibilities of pet ownership.

I'm sorry I can't help those of you who have called.  There are many people who are not aware of this closure, so please keep sharing the petition and updates via social media.  I am trying hard to find another venue, but it's proving very difficult and it's incredibly sad that the perfect venue, Carrum Community Hall, can no longer be used, when we have never had one complaint in 25 years.  If anyone has ideas for a suitable venue, please email or call me.

If you have been disadvantaged by this decision, all I can suggest is you write to:

Sonya Kilkenny – Member for Carrum - Sonya.Kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au
Tim Richardson – Member for Mordialloc  - Tim.Richardson@parliament.vic.gov.au

Kingston Council –  If you would like ALL Councillors to see your email, address it to Kingston and Mayor Georgina Oxley

Kingston            -          info@kingston.vic.gov.au
Georgina Oxley -          georgina.oxley@kingston.vic.gov.au

Thanks & All Good Wishes

Jen x