I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Mr Peter Blyth, clearly a much loved member of the Gympie Arts community.
To my regret, I did not know him personally, but for a while a few months ago we were ‘brothers-in-arms’.
At that time I wrote to support him in his challenge to the Council over an unpayable rate bill apparently incorrectly levied on the Zodiac Players.
From Mr Blyth’s public assertions, I concluded that slack administration on the part of the Council had contributed to what was an insurmountable problem for the struggling Theatre Group.
For one thing, numerous Rate Notices returned to Council as having been sent to the wrong address were allegedly not dealt with.
Mr Blyth also rightly pointed out that the unavailability of the Civic Centre for the past two years or more had meant that the Zodiac Players had been denied the opportunities to stage major productions and generate significant income.
Every time I pass the Civic Centre these days I am appalled at the work that has to be done and the rate-payer funds that will have to be spent to have it once again ‘fit for purpose’ (ie.as our Civic Centre) — not before 2024.
And I am reminded of Mr Blyth’s letters.
With regard to the refurbishment of the Civic Centre there are some unanswered questions.
What at first was to be a temporary closure to remove asbestos has become a lengthy closure to replace just about everything.
Was the Council ‘asleep at the wheel’ when that black mould was growing to the stage (no pun intended) when the carpets and seating were totally ruined? Could much of the enormous repair bill have been averted?
Sadly, Mr Blyth, admired and remembered as a cultural icon in the Gympie Arts community, will not hear the answers.
But I am sure the paying public (the rate-payers) will be waiting with more than a little interest.
– Merv Welch
The Palms
