Albury City Council’s vision for a region-leading animal care and education centre is taking shape, with construction of a Learning Hub at the Albury Animal Care Centre now underway.
The $880,000 hub will be a first for the region, offering hands-on training, school programs and interactive spaces designed to teach the community about responsible pet ownership.
It’s the first stage of the redevelopment of Council’s Hamilton Valley facility, which delivers animal welfare services for AlburyCity, Greater Hume Shire and the Victorian councils of Wodonga, Towong, Indigo and Wangaratta.
Funded by the NSW Government, the Learning Hub will include purpose-built training rooms to cater for community members and school groups. The grant will also allow for improved sustainability elements for the redevelopment of the animal care centre, increased digital connectivity and CCTV, plus emergency accommodation pens.
Council Business, Growth and Community Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Kate de Hennin said the project will deliver long-term benefits for animal welfare across the region.
“By educating our community about responsible pet ownership we can improve the welfare of our loved pets, keep them safe and ultimately help reduce the number of animals surrendered to the centre. Our priority remains to return pets to their owners before impounding, but this requires up to date microchip and registration details,” said Ms de Hennin.
The Learning Hub is expected to be completed by December, with the next stage of the redevelopment, funded by Council, to include upgraded kennels and catteries, adoption areas, and dog and cat meet-and-greet spaces.
“This new centre will meet best-practice standards in animal care for both NSW and Victoria, offering a state-of-the-art facility.” explained Albury Mayor Kevin Mack. “Beyond the immediate benefits for animals, this project strengthens our capacity to manage surges in demand and deliver education programs that create lasting change in how people value and care for their animals,” Ms de Hennin said.
