Vandals smashed windows and tried to set fire to Altona Meadows Community Centre overnight on Wednesday, causing all childcare and other services to be cancelled ahead of the school holidays.
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.
The vandalism and arson attack came as Hobsons Bay police, council and residents garnered praise for working together to combat crime in the area.
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’ll have to ask our officers if we’re going to try to help people find alternative locations and maybe we can house people at the Laverton Hub.
“It has a flow-on effect to everybody of all ages, all groups.
“Wherever these people [the offenders] live, it’s an insult to their neighbours and it’s 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 so saddened at the news,” she said.
“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.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
More to come…
