A Fresh Start at City Hall and Keeping Cool in the Albury Heat

The Morning Briefing: Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Good morning, Albury. As the sun rises over the Murray this Wednesday, our city finds itself navigating a period of significant transition. From a major leadership shake-up at City Hall to the continued focus on community-wide water conservation, there is plenty for residents to discuss over their morning coffee. Here is what you need to know to start your day.

City Mood: Resilience and the Summer Squeeze

The mood in Albury today is one of focused resilience. We are firmly in the grip of a hot February, with temperatures expected to climb toward a top of 36°C. This heat coincides with an ongoing effort to protect our local resources. Residents are reminded that AlburyCity remains under a water supply alert following a control system failure at local treatment plants earlier this month. While the system is recovering, the community is being praised for its cooperation in limiting water use to essential purposes only—such as short showers and eco-cycle laundry. The collective effort to keep our storages refilling despite the sweltering conditions has defined the city’s spirit this week.

Key Talking Point: A New Hand on the Tiller

The dominant conversation around town follows yesterday’s major announcement from Albury City Council. Steve McGrath has been officially appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer, stepping in to lead the organization for the next several months. This move follows the recent resolution that long-serving CEO Frank Zaknich would not be returning to the role. Mayor Kevin Mack has welcomed Mr. McGrath, highlighting his 30 years of experience in local government and his reputation for strong strategic leadership and financial oversight. For citizens, this represents a "renewed leadership focus" aimed at navigating the delivery of major infrastructure projects, including the continued work at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and the Albury Riverside Precinct. Many are looking to see how this transition will impact the development of the 2026-2027 budget and long-term city goals.

Feel-Good Story: World-Class Care for Local Families

In some heartening news for local parents, Albury Wodonga Health is set to receive a significant boost in resources thanks to the latest round of funding from the Good Friday Appeal. It was announced this week that Albury is among the regional hubs benefiting from a $3 million investment aimed at providing world-class medical equipment to hospitals outside of Melbourne. This funding is specifically targeted at enhancing pediatric care, with new equipment like neonatal cots and vital sign monitors destined for our local wards. This means fewer families will have to travel to capital cities for specialized treatment, ensuring that our youngest residents can receive the best possible care right here at home. It is a timely reminder of the power of regional advocacy and community support.

As you head out today, remember to stay hydrated, look out for your neighbors in the heat, and if you have a spare moment, consider nominating a local leader for the 2026 AlburyCity Youth Council—applications are open until the end of the month!