The struggles faced by Albury RSPCA point to wider concerns of fewer available volunteers generally, Albury mayor Kevin Mack said yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A lot of these really valuable services are going by the wayside because people don’t want to put their hand up
- Albury mayor Kevin Mack
Cr Mack expressed sadness the volunteer branch, based in Hume Street, might be forced to close after 51 years owing to a shortage of helpers.
Albury RSPCA volunteers told The Border Mail this week a lack of committee members left them unable to continue the desexing program while other projects were also at risk of ending.
They appealed for more community members to come forward and help.
Cr Mack said the RSPCA was a worthwhile charity group.
“But like a lot of other organisations that are volunteer-led they’re the first to fall over,” he said.
“It’s pretty sad but what do you do, where do you find the volunteers?
“A lot of these really valuable services are going by the wayside because people don’t want to put their hand up.
“That to me is the bigger issue – where is the next generation of our volunteers?”
RSPCA NSW executive manager of branches Karen Heath said the organisation relied heavily on helpers throughout its 27 volunteer branches.
Ms Heath said situations like the one facing Albury RSPCA could occur at times.
“Charities are competing for volunteer hours,” she said.
“Going forward we are seeking to change our governance structure, which will enable our organisation and our wonderful volunteers with the opportunity to adapt to what is a changing environment.”
Ms Heath said Albury, like all the branches, provided a vital support service for communities, which the RSPCA wished to continue.
“We hope the Albury community will rise to the challenge and help us at this difficult time in the interest of the animals,” she said.
Cr Mack said if the Albury branch closed, its council-owned building would be utilised another way.
“We can’t do much about their declining numbers and representation, but we will continue to operate our pound and encourage our dog and cat lovers … adoption organisations, all the great organisations that work out there to keep doing what they’re doing, but it’s a shame,” he said.
Receive updates straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. To make sure you’re up to date with all the Border and North East news, sign up here.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
