"Pathetic": Council slammed after move against FREE health program
A woman who runs a free mental health yoga program has been ordered to pay the council $10,000 because her classes at St Kilda beach in Melbourne have become too popular.
The City of Port Phillip Council was slammed for their actions after they told Eliza Hilmer she must pay them hundreds of dollars per session for her Feel Good Flows classes.
Hilmer, who does not make a profit from the classes, said she started the program during the pandemic to help people manage their mental health.
“I play by the rules as much as I can,” Hilmer told Yahoo News, adding that she acquired personal trainer permit as requested by the council.
“We’ve been operating as an outdoor gathering for mental health practices more than anything, and it’s been really incredible."
The classes, which initially attracted a few people, has gained a bit of traction with around 50 to 80 regular attendees.
Hilmer encourages her attendees to leave a donation and provides free hot drinks and a live musician at the biweekly sessions.
Because of its popularity, the council have classified Feel Good Flows as a commercial event, as the classes exceed the number of people covered by Hilmer's personal training license, and she was ordered to pay $400 a session.
Hilmer was also given the option to cap the sessions at 15 people a time, but she said that "this isn't an option" as “many vulnerable people” rely on the service.
With Hilmer having to pay three months upfront to keep classes running, the total adds up to $10,000, and locals are furious.
"Another pathetic decision by useless bureaucrats,” one wrote on social media.
“This council is being very mean spirited. Leave her alone!!”
“Keep on going love don’t bow to the council,” a third added.
Despite the outrage and being asked to pay to host her free yoga sessions, Hilmer remains positive.
“I don’t want to fight,” she said.
“The council can be the solution”.
Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo replied saying that while she was "delighted" to see so many taking part in yoga sessions, "the business needs to adhere to its Personal Training Licence" to "ensure our popular public spaces remain available, safe and enjoyable for everyone."
“We encourage Feel Good Flows to look at hosting additional yoga sessions on the foreshore to support its growing popularity," the Port Phillip mayor said.
“Other businesses operating along the foreshore pay a licence fee for the use of public open space and adhere to the 15 person limit per session.
"These capacity limits help provide fair access for many businesses operating with a Personal Training Licence, while minimising any potential disruption for visitors to our foreshore."
She added that she has been in contact with Feel Good Flows, and are happy to discuss details further.
"If the petition is sent to Council the matter will be heard in the Council Chamber.”
Images: Instagram