Perth Voice Interactive

MT HAWTHORN community church is desperately trying to find a location for its Easter camp after two preferred venues fell through.

For 20 years the camp has travelled to Holiday Haven in Jarrahdale to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, but last month the campsite abruptly shut down.

Church leaders hastily booked accommodation at Lake Leschenaultia, only to find out Tuesday there had been a double booking.

“With only six weeks to go, the church is now desperately trying to find an alternative, short of simply having extended activities in the hall over the Easter weekend,” church member Robert Paparde says.

“Most people accepted that the camp was going to be in some way different this year, but still having a camp is very important to many people in the church. This event always brings a special kind of togetherness over the Easter long weekend that people don’t get from the services at the hired hall at the Mt Hawthorn Community Centre.”

If you can help the church find a venue for its Easter camp, contact Rob Paparde on 0404 143 149.

Holiday Haven was managed by Grass Roots, a charity founded by parents of children with disabilities. It leased and ran the campsite for nine years with an option to buy.

Grass Roots planned to convert half the units into a lifestyle village for people with intellectual impairment.

The plan fell apart after an owner died and the relationship between Grass Roots and the remaining owners, the Catholic Church, soured.

In February 2006, Grass Roots met with the then-minister for disability services to ask for assistance in purchasing the property. “If money for the purchase price is not raised, unfortunately, the WA public will lose an invaluable respite service,” said independent MLC Shelley Archer. The funding was never secured.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK