The notice from the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council states that the group must vacate the premises at 257 Crawford Street by September 26. The notice was co-signed by QPRC General Manager Peter Tegart and Recreation and Culture manager Daniel Fulton.

The eviction is due to the planned demolition of council buildings in the CBD to build a new council headquarters. A range of civic centre upgrades are then planned, involving the demolition of more council buildings, after an unsolicited bid from the Downtown Q consortium was accepted.

The council has offered the Letchworth Community Centre to the group as an alternative premises with the understanding the group will be able to return to the CBD once construction is complete in 2019.

Secretary of the group, Olwyn-Anne Cook said there were serious concerns over how the group will be able function if they no longer have access to a central location.

“One of our fears is that when we do have to move it will split us up and we’ll see the demise of the club,” Ms Cook said.

“Letchworth is a long way and some people just can’t get out there.”

The group offers members various social activities such as carpet bowls, card tournaments and monthly outings. The premises is often used by other community groups to host events.

Members specifically referenced the health information programs such as falls prevention seminars as vital to their well-being.

Liz Gough, however, highlighted that above all, the social interaction the group affords its members is its greatest asset.

“Some people have lost their partners and they can come here and we can understand,” Ms Gough said.

“They can be very reluctant to talk to other people, but we can understand because some of us are in the same position.”

Ms Cook added: “It fulfills a social need, people can come down here and meet with people who understand what you’re going through and can help pull you up.”

Members of the group expressed dissatisfaction with how the council has dealt with the matter. President Rhonda Whinnett said they had heard rumours of the demolition for months before officially being told.

A QPRC spokesman said the council informed the seniors group on May 18 of the need to vacate the premises and have had seven consultation sessions since.

He also said the Letchworth Community Centre would be receiving a new kitchen, refurbishments to the main hall and added storage space in preparation for the group.

Ms Whinnett estimated the group had spent over $40,000 over the past three years on upgrading their current facilities. While she was appreciative of the efforts of QPRC staff to relocate them, she expressed disappointment in the council’s decision and said more could be done.

“I can understand if they really want to knock the building down and build something new,” Ms Whinnett said.

“But in the meantime they should find another place in town for us to go. We can go with the whole group then instead of splitting us all up.”