The South Gippsland Sentinel-Times reports that the dispute centres on the vacant Korumburra Senior Citizens Centre and a trust deed which the Seniors group argues makes South Gippsland Shire councillors trustees of the facility. The Committee of Management has sought direct meetings with councillors on multiple occasions, but council has maintained that legal proceedings made formal mediation the only appropriate channel.

Committee of Management secretary Kris Crichton said representatives attended the mediation session believing a resolution was achievable, but one was not reached. He noted the Supreme Court’s own directions confirm nothing prevents the parties from meeting outside the formal process, and called on councillors to do so before the matter proceeds to a costly hearing.

Council declined to comment, citing the active legal proceedings.

Source: South Gippsland Sentinel-Times