Kiama Council Proposes Budget Cuts to Address $4.5 Million Deficit

The Kiama Council in New South Wales has adopted a series of proposed budget cuts to address a $4.5 million deficit. Among the proposed reductions is the defunding of the council-owned Kiama SENTRAL Youth Services. The council is operating under a state government order to balance its budget by June 2027. The proposed plan will be opened for public feedback following the council's ordinary meeting later this month.

The Budgetary Context

Kiama Council is required to address a reported $4.5 million deficit. The council is operating under a Performance Improvement Order issued by the NSW Office of Local Government, which mandates a balanced budget by June 2027. Failure to comply could result in the council being placed under administration.

The proposed budget reductions include:

Defunding the Kiama SENTRAL Youth Services.
Reducing public library operating hours.
Leasing back council vehicles.
Reducing maintenance for sports fields.
Reducing non-essential staff positions.

Kiama SENTRAL Youth Services

The Kiama SENTRAL Youth Services centre is a council-owned and operated facility that was established in 1993. The centre employs three staff members and provides free services to local teenagers, including:

Mental health support.
Assistance for issues related to domestic violence and homelessness.
Extracurricular activities and life skills programs, such as cooking lessons.
Free food.

Community Concerns and Statements

Community members and professionals have expressed concerns regarding the potential defunding of the youth service.

Penny Rushby-Smith, a parent from Gerringong, stated her 15-year-old son has used the service for three years. She said removing a free mental health service where young people can speak with a trusted adult could be "potentially dangerous." She noted the Kiama community has experienced youth suicides in the past.

Travis Flinn, a former psychologist and youth worker, said he is concerned the closure "could possibly lead to further suicides." He stated that a lack of access to youth services can be a contributing factor to youth suicide, as it may add to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Dr. Flinn referenced a period in 2020 when five people in the Kiama community died by suicide within weeks of each other.

Council Position

Acting Kiama Mayor Melissa Matters was among the councillors who endorsed the proposed budget measures. Mayor Matters, whose 18-year-old son died by suicide in 2020, stated:

"We don't want those services to close… But to get a balanced budget, something had to give."

She added that she would support state government intervention to fund the service, which she described as health-based.

Additional Context

While the closure of SENTRAL would reduce the number of local mental health services, access to the local Headspace centre and other privately-run practices remains available.
In response to the 2020 suicides, the community displayed yellow ribbons. Acting Mayor Matters later established the Saving Sammy Foundation, dedicated to suicide awareness and prevention.
This week, three Kiama councillors attempted to address community concerns about the proposed budget cuts outside council chambers. Dozens of local ratepayers have protested the proposed cuts.
The proposed budget plan is scheduled to be released for public consultation after the council's ordinary meeting later this month.