Perth Voice Interactive

AN 81-year-old candidate for Stirling council has described as “a disgrace” the removal of an off-peak discount for seniors and students to the Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre.

Amrik Pala, who is contesting Inglewood ward, says “we should be encouraging seniors to exercise so they are healthy and reduce the burden on the health system”.

The 15 per cent discount for students and seniors on off-peak memberships recently disappeared with little warning. Peak-hour and long-term discounts remained.

Dianella retiree Peter Healy submitted a 64-signature petition to the council Tuesday night, demanding the off-peak discounts’ return: “We are calling on the council to reinstate this discount,” he told the Voice. “The majority of seniors use the gym during the day. The first we knew about it was when we picked up a flyer at the centre.”

Mr Pala says, “during the day the council gyms are sitting empty”.

The council has also discontinued an early bird membership which entitled gym users to a bonus free month.

“This was only a two-year promotion which has ended,” council director Trevor Holland said. At the council meeting Mr Holland apologised to Mr Pala for forgetting to arrange a meeting with mayor Giovanni Italiano over the issue.

Stirling council staff get to use the centre for half price.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK