By MELISSA MEEHAN
THE YARRA Ranges Council is still searching for a new operator for Morrisons Café – as the popular restaurant closed its doors on Tuesday.
Sharing the building with the Station House Reading Room, the café’s closure means the reading room will close from 14 April to 1 May before reopening on reduced hours until a new cafe operator is found.
The short closure will enable Eastern Regional Libraries to set up systems to continue the delivery of Reading Room services.
Yarra Ranges Councillor Maria McCarthy said popular programs such as Storytime would continue to be offered at the Station House from 1 May 2014.
“When the Reading Room reopens, it will initially be open three hours per day, Monday to Tuesday, 10am-4pm and Wednesday to Friday 2.30pm-5.30pm.
“We are calling for expressions of interest for a new operator to run the cafe in collaboration with the Reading Room and other activities at the Station House,” Cr McCarthy said.
Since Morrisons’ announcement to discontinue operations, the council has been working closely with Morrisons, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Mount Evelyn Men’s Shed and other providers to secure ongoing services in and around Mount Evelyn.
Councillor McCarthy said the council was committed to limiting the disruption of services in Mount Evelyn and minimising the impact on the community.
“I’m very pleased to say we’ve been working in partnership with the Upper Yarra Community House and have been successful in securing the ongoing delivery of childcare services, VCAL and community training programs,” Cr McCarthy said.
“We’re also committed to securing facilities for the Men’s Shed.”
Council has also been working with the peak body for Neighbourhood Houses, CHAOS and the State Government to secure ongoing funding for a Neighbourhood House in Mount Evelyn, to be based at the Station House.
“We will let the community know of the outcome of this advocacy,” Cr McCarthy said.
The community can also access library services at Lilydale, Montrose and Mooroolbark.
Check the ERL website for operating hours www.erl.vic.gov.au.
