11/06/2026
📢 TONIGHT AT THE ALBURYCITY PUBLIC FORUM: TCC Chair Peter Smith stands up for Albury’s Community Centres
When a mate asked Peter why on earth he joined the Management Committee of Thurgoona Community Centre (TCC)—and why he stepped up as Chair this year—his answer was simple: The positive impact on our local community.
Presenting at the AlburyCity Public Forum tonight, Peter shared a deeply personal perspective on why these spaces matter. While many see Community Centres as just a hub for crafts and courses, Peter quickly realized those activities are actually a vital gateway to what we all crave: Social Interaction and Belonging.
He reflected on his own parents, who became socially isolated as they aged and their circle of friends shrank. "I deeply wish they had access to a Community Centre like the ones supported by AlburyCity," Peter shared, noting that these centres ensure vulnerable residents always have a safe place where they are accepted.
Peter described the Centre Coordinators as the "soul" of these spaces—tough, compassionate problem-solvers who help people navigate the worst days of their lives, from housing difficulties and domestic violence to mental health struggles.
But right now, these two vital spaces are under threat. ⚠️
Mirambeena Community Centre and Glenecho Community Centre
Peter challenged Council’s proposed Accelerated Service Planning Options, which suggest cutting Centre hours by 25% (about one day a week) by reducing Coordinator hours.
He laid out the stark, real-world consequences of what happens when a Coordinator is not on-site:
❌ Doors Close: Volunteers cannot legally or safely operate these public buildings alone, meaning centre-based activities options will be impacted.
❌ Support Options Falter: Vital services like crisis referral options will be reduced.
❌ Food Security Impacted: Foodshare options may become unsupported. Peter highlighted that a local IGA manager previously credited Foodshare with reducing store theft while restoring self-respect to families in financial distress.
Significant disruption to important community support through a 25% reduction to community centre staffing is being proposed to save a mere $50,000 in the budget.
Peter pointed out that the data simply doesn't support the cuts. He cited a recent 2024 University of Technology Sydney (UTS) study proving that community-engaged initiatives drastically improve mental health outcomes. Furthermore, Council’s own Micromex research revealed that community centre hours are the second highest priority for engaged residents, and 71% of locals stated they would gladly pay more just to maintain current service levels.
"The benefits of Community Centres are seen as intangible, but the impacts are real," Peter warned.
Tonight, Peter is taking a stand on behalf of TCC and all Albury centres, urging AlburyCity Council to remove these shortsighted cuts from the table and protect the places that keep our community connected, safe, and supported. 🤝
Decisions about the operational budget will be made at the Monday Council meeting.
