Gloria Foley said she and at least five other people had chosen to boycott the group because the process had shown no respect for the Elders.

She said “consultation” had amounted to telling the long-running arts and crafts group they would be moved from the Civic to the Jacaranda Centre, and from Tuesdays to Fridays.

“Friday is not a good day for us,” she said.

“We have our exercise class.”

But council community care manager Bruce Mercer said the group had been consulted four times about the changes.

“The decision to relocate to the Jacaranda Centre, which offers better facilities and opportunity for a wider range of activities, was based on feedback gotten from the group during these consultations,” Mr Mercer said.

“The group was in favour of a wider range of activities, and trialling the Jacaranda Centre.

“The group clearly expressed an interest in a wider range of activities.”

Mrs Foley said the group was not interested in other activities like cooking, gardening and watching movies, but just wanted to do art and craft.

She said holding the session at the Civic had allowed the Elders an opportunity to do the jobs they needed to do in town during breaks.

Mr Mercer said the use of the Jacaranda Centre was a trial. The first session at the new venue went ahead on Friday, with five Elders attending.

He said there were usually seven to eight Elders in attendance.

“Friday is the only day the Jacaranda Centre is available for the Elders Group and fortunately, it suits most Elders as demonstrated by numbers attending the first session,” Mr Mercer said.

He said the relocation provided a safer and more accessible workplace and venue, with no appropriate storage of equipment, food supplies or proper kitchen facilities at the Civic.

“The Jacaranda Centre, on the other hand, is a very comfortable venue with a large activity room, proper kitchen facilities, comfortable seating and recliners, disabled toilets, gardens, ramps, single level building, and walking paths to the barbecue facilities at the park,” Mr Mercer said.

“The Jacaranda Centre is only three blocks from the CBD and transport assistance is provided for Elders, if required.”