All childcare and school holiday activities at Altona Meadows Community Centre have been cancelled after vandals smashed windows and tried to set the building on fire.
No part of the centre can be used because of smoke and fire damage caused in the attack, which happened overnight last Wednesday.
The Trafalgar Avenue centre provides counselling, employment and disability support, childcare, children and youth services, seniors activities, school holiday programs, multicultural and education programs and numerous classes and activities.
Hobsons Bay councillor Colleen Gates said the vandalism was a “slap in the face” to the community.
“It flies in the face of what everyone’s doing,” she said.
“All the windows were smashed and someone’s tried to set the place on fire.
“I understand that council is working with the groups to find alternative venues where possible.
“Other local groups – schools, churches – have also reached out to offer interim venue space.
“It has a flow-on effect to everybody of all ages, all groups.
“Wherever these [offenders] live, it’s an insult to their neighbours and an insult to even their own families who, if they’re not already using services that come out of these community centres, might need it in future.
“It’s just really immature.”
Airin Angkadjaja, who runs Kumon classes for about 80 students at the centre, said she was in shock.
“I’m saddened by the news,” she said.
“It’s absolutely shocking. I can’t believe anyone can do that to their own community; it’s horrible.
“I feel so shocked and sad. I hope it will never happen again, I hope they won’t try it again.
“Whatever their purpose is, I don’t know. I have no idea.
“It just affects so many people.”
The vandalism came as Hobsons Bay police, council and residents were praised for working together to combat crime in the area. Atona Meadows residents are mapping crime hotspots in their suburb and conducting citizen night patrols.
Anyone with information on the community centre vandalism is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
