Breaking News
Eyes down for bingo stoush
Friday 20 June, 2008 12:01am
BINGO has become more than just a game at Lake Haven Recreation Centre it is at the heart of a controversy that threatens the centre's future.
The situation has become so serious that Wyong Mayor Warren Welham has called for changes to the centre's governance.
A council incorporated body known as Wyong Youth and Recreation Association runs bingo at the centre.
Three council members sit on the six-person association board and money raised from bingo has been used to subsidise the centre's operations.
But there are doubts over the legality of the game which raises far less money than it previously did.
The issue has become the subject of a series of confidential council meetings and briefings with legal advisers.
The association board will meet today to discuss the matter.
Councillor Brenton Pavier said he had been advised that it was illegal for the council to run bingo games of chance, but this was disputed by council management.
He is also concerned that the association was formed without first obtaining the consent of the local government minister.
Adding to the controversy is a 'comfort' letter to the association from the council's former shire services director David Cathers advising that the council would underwrite its future operations.
Cr Pavier said that was never approved by the council and the letter should not have been issued.
This was confirmed in an email sent to councillors by general manager Kerry Yates.
"What we have here is a situation where the bingo is losing money and the council could be liable for any debts incurred by the centre," Cr Pavier said.
"Given that the letter was never authorised, it places us in a precarious legal situation."
Cr Welham said the centre was operating under an old system and he wanted to see changes made sooner rather than later.
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