Robert speaks up for Rumble

Home-school student Robert Haynes was one of many community voices speaking out against a proposal to demolish Drouin's Rumble Pavilion. He felt he was not heard.
Eleven community members last week called on Baw Baw Shire Council to reverse its decision to demolish what they said was "a little gem" in Drouin.
Robert pleaded with council to keep the pavilion. "Why demolish a community space that offers something different."
The day after council's meeting, Robert said he was disappointed council didn't listen.
About 10 families meet every two weeks at the Rumble Pavilion for an afternoon of outdoor activities in a central, undercover location. Robert said it was an opportunity for the teenage students and their parent-teachers to engage with each other. "If it was to get demolished we would have to go back to the library."
Robert's calls for the Rumble Pavilion to be saved were echoed by other community groups and individuals.
Central to their argument was the $40,000 cost to demolish the pavilion versus a $55,000 option to make it all abilities compliant.
Claire McArthur told council the officer's report failed to understand the proposed community uses for the pavilion.
"Unfortunately it is a misguided perception that it has to be a flash building. That's not the case, it has to be fit-for-purpose. Rumble Pavilion provides a creative space that might be messy, an undercover area that provides an area for all weather activities.
"It's a little gem and I think in the initial planning everyone was focussed on the sporting side and the artistic issues got lost," she said.
Committee for Drouin member Jeannie Haughton said council had to consider the cost analysis of what local volunteers contributed to the community.
She said the Committee for Drouin and Friends of Drouin's Trees contributed more than 350,000 hours of work to community projects but they had no home.
"This building will give them the opportunity to work together and help each other to achieve.
"Rumble Pavilion is unique. We are telling you it is very suited to what our community needs and it doesn't need to cost a fortune.
"We'd love you to recognise the community is your greatest asset and Rumble Pavilion will allow us to expand the outcome we can achieve in our community.
"We aren't saying it's a perfect space but it's a space that currently isn't available elsewhere and won't be duplicated by the hub," she said.
Ian Haughton said council officers indicated it could cost up to $500,000 to do up the pavilion. He said based on that cost analysis council would never keep any of the buildings because it would cost huge money to upgrade them.
Ellen Burrows said she did not see the sense in pulling down a building that still had a purpose.
She said it was a unique space because of the large outdoor area. "This space lends itself to art groups whose use is not appropriate for carpeted rooms."
Ms Burrows said she understood there were not unlimited funds available but funding opportunities were available
Friends of Drouin's Trees member Judy Farmer said the pavilion, set in Bellbird Park was the perfect location for an environmental centre and creative hub.
"Yes it is tired and needs work done but its location is perfect and lends itself to messy earthy activities," she said.
Ms Farmer said the pavilion could be the base for night time and spotlighting activities around the wetlands.
Baw Baw Arts Alliance member Ingrid Thomas said the group wanted a building in Drouin but nothing was available so they moved to the Yarragon railway station. "If you give people a building, groups can grow."
Janet Wylie told council of the mosaic art group that she attended at the Trafalgar Railway Station where they benefited from a messy art space.
Helen Timbury said she could run art workshops in the pavilion without worrying about protecting tables, chairs and carpets like she does at the library.
Baw Baw Ratepayers and Citizens Association secretary Kerry Elliott said council had to consider the needs of small groups who used the pavilion.
She said the aim of community engagement was to allow the community to contribute to council decisions. "As the debate was not concluded on signing of the tender, surely this was an injustice."