BGF won’t move in to ACON building

BGF won’t move in to ACON building

After months in limbo, the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) is close to finding a new base for its operations — but it will not be the new ACON building in Surry Hills.

BGF CEO Denise Aldous told the Star Observer a new home for the foundation would be announced in the next week but ruled out the possibility of BGF moving into the building at 414 Elizabeth St.

“BGF advised ACON that the space and fit-out were not appropriate for our operations,” Aldous said. “An announcement concerning the new premises for BGF will be made over the next week.”

Aldous’ statement comes three months after the Star Observer reported that BGF had determined it was unable to move into the building, citing incomplete Final Fire Certification paperwork on its fit-out.

Since then, client services have based at the Redfern Community Health Centre at 103-105 Redfern St, Redfern.

A BGF spokesperson would not be drawn on how the space and fit-out of the Elizabeth St property were inappropriate for the organisation or why it had taken so long to reach that decision, which was not the reason given to the Star Observer in July.

An ACON spokesman said BGF’s decision not to move into the building was a matter for BGF.

However, acting ACON CEO Geoff Honnor expressed his desire to see a continued and productive relationship between the organisations.

“We’ve continued to work very closely with BGF and both organisations remain committed to our longstanding and productive collaboration on issues affecting people living with HIV,” he said.

Aldous expressed similar sentiments.

“ACON and BGF have continued to work closely throughout and both organisations remain committed to our work with people living with HIV,” she said.

By ALEX PITTAWAY

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2 responses to “BGF won’t move in to ACON building”

  1. In regard to the comment : “ACON space and fit-out were not appropriate for our operations”

    I have to say :

    the new ACON space doesnt seem to be appropiate for a lot of the services offered.( The Positive Living Centre / Vitamin service/ Luncheon Club/ Larder, Swop, etc )

    Compared to a welcoming feel @ the old premises one cant help but feel entering a high security prison area.

    Hands up of people that feel the same and stay away – if they can afford to.- Unfortunately I can`t !

  2. BGF’s new CEO should be asked to explain exactly how the ACON building, which was perfectly suitable to her predecessor, was somehow unsuitable for her. The incoming CEO’s decision to simply walk away from the lease agreement will end up costing both organisations significant amounts of money – this is not acceptable for community organistions that rely on scarce donations. My understanding is that ACON was prepared to go to almost any lengths to try to resolve any genuine issues BGF may have had with its space in the newly renovated building. One could be forgiven for thinking it just wasn’t up the the sulubrious standards the new CEO had come to expect in her previous job in the private sector. As they have been co-located for years, ACON and BGF have been able to share resources and thereby deliver more for the GLBT community. That opportunity is now lost simply because, in my view, the new BGF CEO wanted and office with better views. The BGF board has some seriously explaining to do. Perhaps it would have been better for all if they had found another CEO rather than another office. I certainly will not be supporting BGF with any donations until the communtiy gets some answers.