Meanwhile, Greens Cr Cath Blakey has tabled a motion for Monday's council meeting calling for support of the Warrawong Residents Forum.

"The Warrawong Residents Forum does a really essential service for people that are vulnerable by providing free meals and grocery packs and having services and advice," Cr Blakey said.

However, those new premises need a fit-out, which will cost $180,000. "To make the new premises suitable they require the fit-out with partitioned rooms for confidential services, shelving for food and seating for meals as well as basic amenities such as air-conditioning, hand washing and security systems," Cr Blakey's notice of motion said.

"Warrawong Residents Forum have local builders and trades at the ready who have generously offered their time and skills, the $180,000 is need for materials, compliance and major works."

Cr Blakey's motion does not request the council fund the works but rather recognise the work of the forum and support calls for the state government to provide funding for community and neighbourhood associations.

Story by Glen Humphries in the Illawarra Mercury, 21 June 2024.