News
8 February, 2025
Group sizzles over ban
A beloved award-winning community group has been stopped from holding its fortnightly fundraising BBQ outside the local Drakes, after being told by property management it could not continue following complaints.
The Lowood Community Action Group (LCAG), which only last week won the Community Group of the Year Award at the Somerset Australia Day celebrations, has been holding its fundraising BBQ out the front of Drakes for over five years.
But late last year, the owners/managers of the building issued a notice to the group that, following complaints from tenants, the group had to cease its BBQs.
They were able to hold raffles at centre management’s discretion, but LCAG claims they were told there would be a $200 charge per event.
The Sentinel put this specific claim to Powercat, which was not answered.
In response to a series of questions, Powercat told The Sentinel that the decision was made due to insurance costs.
“The owner of the property has supported various local charities and community groups over the last several years and has done so at its sole cost,” it said in a statement.
“Due to the associated insurance liabilities incurred
“The primary reason we are not allowing BBQ’s/other food stalls is we have had complaints from tenants within the centre, as it affects their business sales for the day,” centre management, Powercat, wrote in an email to the LCAG in November last year.
The group was told they were unable to continue providing this support by the owner.
In further emails to the LCAG, Powercat warned that “authorities” would be called if a stall was set up without permission.
“I can confirm that the decision not to allow food stalls and/or BBQ’s across our centres is final,” the email read.
“Ultimately, we do not want to be in a position where we are forced to call the authorities if a stall sets up without permission, however, please note this action will be taken if necessary.”
LCAG president, Jennie Martin, said they were devastated by the outcome.
According to Ms Martin, other retailers, including Drakes, were supportive of the BBQs, making the move all the more difficult to comprehend.
Powercat Group noted that “this decision lies with centre management and is not the responsibility of Drakes.”
According to LCAG secretary, Joy Emerson, they had hoped commonsense would prevail, given the group only operated from 7am to 2pm once a fortnight, but were forced to have their last BBQ on December 21.
“We’ve been trying to explain to them that we’re a non-profit organisation and everything that we earn, we give to our community and surrounds,” she said.
“It’s not just Lowood that we help. It’s people that are in need, such as people experiencing homelessness, who we help every Monday night, and domestic violence situations.
“We don’t keep any of the money. We try to help out as much as we can.”
Ms Emerson said it was sad that “we’ve lost that real community feel.”
“I don’t think they realise what small, country towns are about.”
On their last BBQ on December 21, LCAG presented Drakes Lowood manager Sharon with a certificate of appreciation for their ongoing support over the years.
LCAG has also reached out to government officials, asking for support and assistance.
