Thank you Cr Kylie for your motion on the Sep 16 Council meeting requesting a review of this location - a common sense approach given any budget implications. We're quite sure the support expressed by Councillors when speaking for the motion will be appreciated by the Society's volunteers. We look forward to a considered review, including relocation costs, especially with the Society's records and volunteers having been subjected to 6 moves in 5 years.

We note the mention of Billilla Mansion during the meeting as one possible alternative location for the Sandringham and District Historical Society, that site half a kilometre from the nearest railway station and not suitable for some. With respect, we see relegating the Historical Society to a pocket of the museum-like Billilla as the type of location to be avoided. Although an outstanding Bayside asset, we would hope that in this case the needs of the Society and volunteers should take priority over the needs of Billilla.

While we do accept "commercial" areas attract more expensive rents, Bayside-designated Main Activity Centres are exactly where a Historical Society should be in our view, an integral part of an active retail area, as part of an active community. We are confident there are other Bayside budgeting options if this Council accepts the premise of an active Historical Society in the right location being the priority.

We look forward to a properly considered outcome that recognises the worth of volunteers and the value of an active Society in a convenient and accessible location - the Main Activity Centre of Sandringham Village a fitting permanent home for the Sandringham and District Historical Society.