SEVERAL employees lost their jobs when Old Gippstown management made the “difficult decision” to close its cafe on Sunday, 28 June.
Park manager Kevin Reardon said the decision to let go of one full-time staff member and several casuals was made because the cafe was no longer financially viable.
“It was a difficult decision, which had been under consideration for a considerable about of time,” Mr Reardon said.
“The cafe in its present form was financially not viable, so we’re looking at various options for that area.
“Meanwhile, we’re going to focus on our core business of preserving the history of Gippsland for the current and future generations and presenting the park to the people of the local community as a great community asset.”
Mr Reardon said community members should expect “exciting announcements coming up about the future development of the park”.
“As far as we’re concerned the closure of the cafe will have a positive effect on the future of the park,” he said.
An announcement was made on Old Gippstown’s Facebook page the Monday before its closure, thanking past and present staff and volunteers for their “endless efforts” running the cafe over the years.
The heritage park remains open daily from 10am to 4pm.
