Perth Voice Interactive

IRREPRESSIBLE octogenarian Amrik Pala is not giving up his fight with Stirling council to get a seniors’ discount reinstated.

The 81-year-old Inglewood ward candidate was fuming when he discovered the off-peak discount for seniors at the Terry Tyzack Leisure Centre had been cancelled (Voice, September 26, 2015). He’s not impressed with the answers he’s received.

Mr Pala, formerly a councillor in NSW, met with council staff last week to propose a revised pricing structure.

“We, the seniors, not only enjoy exercising and keeping fit but also the company of the fellow seniors and social interaction at the gym and even outside of it,” he told the Voice, adding he regularly pumps iron there (and showed us his impressive biceps to prove it).

“The friendship and contacts we have established as members of TTLC gym are priceless.

“I am sure the Stirling council is generous/big enough to look after its seniors who are trying to look after themselves.”

Stirling recreation manager Michael Quirk says Mr Pala’s requests will be considered.

Dianella resident Peter Healy submitted a 64-signature petition demanding the return of the off-peak discounts and a discount for disability support pensioners.

Mayor Giovanni Italiano says the council will “investigate whether there is a basis” for expanding membership discounts but notes “there has historically been very little demand for discounted memberships for disability support pensioners”.

“This new off-peak membership has been established at a very low rate of $660 per annum to encourage all community members, including seniors and other eligible card holders, to attend the city’s facilities during low attendance periods.”

The off-peak discount will still apply to existing memberships, but not new ones.

Mr Pala is up against Shao Fang Wang, and incumbent David Lagan in the ward. We contacted Cr Lagan but he didn’t get back to us.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK