Govt shows faith in Chaplain Watch

NEWS

Intense lobbying by local community groups and politicians has seen the State Government open its coffers to the tune of $180,000 to fund the work of respected local organisation Chaplain Watch.

As reported on our front page last issue, the Bligh Government was criticised for overlooking the locally based Chaplain Watch, run by Lance Mergard, for a key role in the new Fortitude Valley Drink Safe Precinct. The job of running a chill-out zone in the Valley Mall during the two-year trial period went instead to the Gold Coast Youth Services.
Labor councillor David Hinchliffe (Central Ward) who in our last issue had described Chaplain Watch as “one of the best Valley initiatives I’ve seen in 20 years” praised the government for funding funds for the local organisation that has been active in the mall for the past six years.
“A lot of people were unhappy about [the decision]. I spoke out. The Valley Chamber of Commerce spoke out. [Local state MP] Grace Grace worked away behind the scenes.
“I am just glad that the minister has pulled the money out of her purse to pay Chaplain Watch. They are the real deal.”
Grace Grace confirmed to The Independent that “wheels began to turn” as soon as the decision on the chillout contract was made.
She said she was delighted with the outcome.
“It’s a great result and one that I had not thought possible.”
The funding meant these two excellent organisations could now work side by side in the trial period to keep drinkers safe in the Valley precinct