The Loft and Its Demise

Published in Wordhurl 'Anti-slam', October 2013.

A lot of people have been very upset about its closure for several years now and understandably so. This venue is said to have “immense popularity amongst people 12-25…of ALL backgrounds (in Newcastle)” and has won several awards over the past few years, whether that be for Local Government or for its Aboriginal Youth Programme. There are a number of ex-patrons (myself included) who can speak highly of what it does, and from what I can gather it has made very decent efforts to reach those ostracised from main-stream society.

Though results like that are good for any service, they are always trumped by the same thing: money. In its official statement, Newcastle City Council says “the city is…(approaching) its challenges (responsibly)…and the (new) budget has…a focus on reducing costs and streamlining services.” Amongst those measures taken will be the closure of the Loft. Given that the council owes more than $64 million, it makes sense for it to cut costs wherever possible.

Mr Saddington of Broadmeadow gave readers a sharp slap in the face when he pointed this out back in June.  “Out of 29,000 people aged 12-25 in Newcastle LGA,” he wrote, “the Loft has about sixty regular members.” With a loss of “$609,000 over 2012/13”, this translates to the “council subsidising each member about $11,000 per annum.” If the council were to (continue to fund the Loft as is), he said, (it would) cost $7.7 million over the next ten years.

Unfortunately, the die have already been cast; the ominous and final sounding bell of resolution is ringing out loud and clear, so to speak. The council made its call months ago and in the time since the Loft has been winding down. As it stands now, what staff do remain are merely there to ensure the closure is managed appropriately. The other day, I stopped by the office and was lucky enough to chat with Dale- one of the Loft’s stalwarts- as he was packing up the old music room. “Finish (up) here at the end of the week,” he said, “and I am already thinking about next year.” 

So what are we to do now? 

Simple, my friends- follow Dale’s lead and look ahead! Though never easy, everything around us eventually grinds to a halt and the Loft is no different. Whilst it has done so much for so many, it’s lifespan has very nearly run its course. If there’s one thing we can still do though, it’s this: remember the good times of the past and optimistically look forwards to those unseen in the future.