Public Notice: Health Support Services and Local Governance Updates

Bushfire Response: Mental Health and Health Support

Following the ongoing bushfire activity affecting the Upper Murray and surrounding regions, Albury Wodonga Health has issued a joint update with local health partners. A coordinated mental health and wellbeing response has been established to support communities navigating the uncertainty of the current fire season. Residents are encouraged to utilize available support networks, including the Priority Primary Care Centre in Wodonga and the Border Urgent Care Centre in Albury, which remains open for non-life-threatening medical needs. Health officials remind the community to monitor the VicEmergency app for active warnings and to prioritize personal safety during periods of extreme heat and smoke.

Planning and Development: Mate Street Proposal

AlburyCity is currently seeking community feedback on a Planning Proposal to amend the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010. The draft amendment concerns the property at 773 Mate Street, North Albury, and proposes to introduce the site into Schedule 1 to allow for the additional permitted use of 'office premises.' Interested residents can view the relevant documents at the AlburyCity Customer Service Centre on Kiewa Street, the Albury LibraryMuseum, or the Lavington Library. Submissions regarding this proposal will be accepted until the close of business on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Council Leadership: Appointment of Interim CEO

The Albury City Council has officially confirmed the appointment of Steve McGrath as the interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McGrath brings over three decades of experience in local government leadership and will oversee the council’s operations for a period of three to twelve months while the recruitment process for a permanent CEO is finalized. Mayor Kevin Mack noted that the appointment is intended to provide strategic stability and ensure the continued delivery of key community infrastructure projects and programs.

Community Initiatives: Animal Care and Youth Council

• Animal Adoption Fee Waiver: To support local animal welfare, the Albury Animal Care Centre is waiving adoption fees for all cats and dogs throughout February. This initiative, running until 28 February 2026, aims to find permanent homes for local pets.
• Youth Council Nominations: Nominations are now open for the 2026 AlburyCity Youth Council. Residents aged 12 to 18 are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to represent the region's young people and provide direct input to Council on local issues and projects.

Public Health Advisory: Drug Safety Warning

NSW Health has issued a high-priority advisory regarding high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets found to be circulating in the region. The tablets, which contain significantly higher concentrations of the drug than typical doses, have been linked to serious health risks and hospitalizations. Health authorities advise that there is no safe level of illicit drug use and urge anyone feeling unwell to seek immediate medical attention at the Albury Hospital Emergency Department or by calling 000.