Concerns for the future of the Harris Community Centre

Concerned Pyrmont and Ultimo residents will fight for the future of  Harris Community Centre projects following the loss of its popular manager Lorraine Findlay.

Ms Findlay was dismissed suddenly in April by the centre owner, UnitingCare, after 10 years managing the centre, due to restructuring.

More than 150 people attended Ms Findlay’s farewell party last month including activists and Sydney Federal Member Tanya Plibersek.

Residents, some of whom wept at the farewell, said they were worried the Quarry Green institution would be like “a ship without a rudder” now that Ms Findlay is gone.

They will press for assurances from UnitingCare that the centre will maintain its high levels of community service under its new manager at a public meeting on June 29.

Members of the Ultimo Village Voice, which met last week, said they would voice their concerns at the meeting.

“She (Ms Findlay) was an extremely dedicated manager, she initiated a lot of programs, and worked until midnight,” a member of the group said.

“In April she was suddenly told she was redundant, given about four days notice.

“It’s a concern of the community that the excellent programs she put into practice should continue.”

According to the PUCC, Ms Findlay worked tirelessly to provide food distribution, care for homeless and sick, aged and childcare services, and language, literacy and IT classes.

She also organised and promoted the annual UPTown Festival and SecondHand Saturday events. She was said to be popular with the area’s Chinese population.

The consultation meeting will be held at the Harris Community Centre from 6pm on June 29.