Future of circus left hanging in balance

By Michelle Webster
Updated November 5 2012 - 7:45pm, first published January 29 2009 - 10:59am
Kate Clarkson (left) and Cheryle Moore. Picture: ROBERT PEET
Kate Clarkson (left) and Cheryle Moore. Picture: ROBERT PEET

Wollongong's Circus WOW is facing an uncertain future as its eviction date looms at the Bellambi site it has shared with Circus Monoxide.From tomorrow the group, which has been operating for eight years, will need to find a new home if it hopes to maintain membership.Circus WOW held a meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the Wollongong City Council-imposed eviction and to mount a "save our space" campaign. Management team member Kate Clarkson said the group was not looking for a handout from the council, just recognition of the commitment the group had made to the community."We understand the council administrators are interested in economic realities, but we're asking them to not cut down an orchard which has been growing and flourishing," she said."We're not necessarily asking them to give it to us on a plate, we're just asking to be acknowledged and to get some assistance to find a suitable facility."Without a permanent location, Ms Clarkson said the circus, which is distinct from Circus Monoxide, faces an uncertain future as members face travelling to a variety of temporary sites."In the short term things are dire," she said."We don't have a training space - we're running classes at Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre from February 9 but we can't do aerial because it's not high enough."Ms Clarkson said the circus conducted a great deal of community development and outreach work, with some members going on to pursue successful professional careers.She said teaming up with Circus Monoxide would be an ideal solution, but the chances of finding a site big enough were slim. A council spokeswoman said they had been working closely with both Circus Monoxide and Circus WOW to locate a suitable site."Last year Circus WOW applied for space in the council-owned former Coledale Seniors Centre," she said. "They were successful in this process and are negotiating a licence agreement with council for this space."

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