Naragebup in danger of closing

A lack of volunteers at Naragebup Environmental Centre could force it into liquidation if drastic changes are not made soon, according to chairman Ryan Wagstaff.

The centre has closed its doors for maintenance and could be shut indefinitely if volunteer numbers do not improve.

Mr Wagstaff said the committee was desperately searching for extra volunteers to help them reopen as soon as possible.

“I am concerned that the centre might have to shut down long-term which it has done in the past when volunteer numbers were low,” he said.

“We have closed the gates to undertake some revamping of the gardens and we are cleaning the place up.

“Since we initially shut we have managed to make some significant improvements and things are looking better but we will still be needing all the help we can get.”

Naragebup is run by a committee of volunteers and is funded through donations and grants which need to be constantly applied for.

Educational programs run through the centre have ceased as a result of funding cuts and lack of qualified volunteers.

Mr Wagstaff said the current maintenance project was designed to improve the atmosphere of the centre and make it more family friendly.

“We want the centre to be more interactive for kids but it is hard given the lack of resources,” he said.

The committee is investigating being a “working for the dole” provider and in the past has enlisted the help of school groups on a regular basis.

“It is very hard to watch the centre struggle when we have been working so hard over the last few years,” Mr Wagstaff said.

“There are so many great programs and facilities we would like to add but we need extra hands to help.

“At the end of the day, without more volunteers, we can’t keep this place running.”