AFTER years of waiting and months of hard campaigning Greater Shepparton City Council has endorsed a recommendation outlining further options for the future of the Shepparton Italian Social Club (SISC) building after the club flatly rejected Council’s April resolution.
At an Additional Council Meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, Council approved in principle a contribution of $1.2M towards the reinstatement of the former SISC building, subject to planning and regulatory approvals, flood risk considerations, a funding contribution from the club, and the execution of relevant agreements.
“I really, really want to thank all of you who have supported our club through this journey, whether that’s your messages of support on Facebook, on Instagram, through emails, text messages, phone calls, for those of you who have rang the council and shown your support that way, I truly believe that we wouldn’t be in this position that we are today if it hadn’t have been for all the support from the general public. So a huge thank you to you all,” said SISC Vice President Vince Tassoni in an online statement.
The resolution also includes alternative options if the club decide not to pursue reinstatement, including a potential $1M grant contribution towards the purchase of an alternative facility, or an ex-gratia payment of $500,000 under specified conditions.
Council will now work with the Shepparton Italian Social Club to implement the resolution and finalise the agreements required to advance the club’s preferred option.
