Church's joy and dancing banned
The Daily Telegraph
Joe Hildebrand
April 24, 2010
A SMALL western Sydney church has been hit with a $3000 fine by the local council because its choir was singing too loudly and some choristers were caught dancing.
The Daily Telegraph
Joe Hildebrand
April 24, 2010
A SMALL western Sydney church has been hit with a $3000 fine by the local council because its choir was singing too loudly and some choristers were caught dancing.
A fine mess ... church members, L to R, Crystal Schaaf, Elizabeth Mikua and Alaka Hala
Pic: Simon Bullard
Source: The Daily Telegraph
Council officers raided the Granville church and were alarmed to discover choir members dancing in the carpark and the door of the church open an hour after it was supposed to be closed.
The dispute has gone all the way to the office of Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, who has been asked by his fellow minister David Borger to show mercy to the musical Christians and waive the penalty.
The Tokaikolo Christian Church choir was practising Christmas carols and other songs on the evening of December 3 last year.
The "infringement" occurred at 10pm as the rehearsal was finishing. A week later the church was hit with a $3000 fine from Parramatta Council.
It has been unable to pay the fine, which has been referred to the State Debt Recovery Office - which slugged the church another $50.
The council claims the church violated the conditions of its development consent by being too noisy and hosting activities outside its approved "hours of operation", which are supposed to end at 9pm.
A spokesman said: "During a site inspection conducted at 10pm on December 3, 2009, the following observations were made: Three males were observed walking up the driveway on the northern side of the premises, towards the kitchen area; a large group of people were observed dancing in the basement carpark area; and the front door of the premises was open."
Reverend Nesiasi Kolo told The Telegraph parishoners would end up footing the bill.
Local MP Mr Borger is lobbying Mr Roozendaal to have the controversial fine waived.
"In considering the difficulties the church faces in balancing their community activities with their impact on their neighbours, I would suggest that strong consideration be given to the waiving of the fine and the issuing of a stern warning," he said.
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