Townsville Toy Library vandalised for sixth time in four months, damage estimated in the thousands

A much-loved community hub has faced it’s sixth act of vandalism in the last few months, with centre volunteers advocating for a more long-term solution.

Stacey Prenter and Teele Sullivan with the new aircon at the Townsville Toy Library. Picture: Evan Morgan

A much-loved community hub has face it’s sixth act of vandalism in the last few months, with centre volunteers advocating for a more long-term solution.

The Townsville Toy Library in Vincent has been running for 46 years and has over 290 members, who are able to access over 3000 toys on a monthly borrowing basis.

The library allows for toy borrowing as well as ‘Stay and Play’ sessions in house for members and non-members, creating new friendships and community.

Treasurer Stacey Prenter said the latest damage, in which their outside fence posts were removed or damaged beyond repair, will cost thousands to fix.

“The whole purpose of the fence is to keep people, particularly children, in and we have a car park that opens up to the front of the building. This is a huge safety risk for us,” she said.

“We need something sturdier as the fence and building keep getting vandalised.”

Vandalism at the Townsville Toy Library in Vincent. Picture supplied.

Ms Prenter said the building has several vandalism attacks in the last four months, including damage to the fences, windows and an attempted break in. She is advocating for cameras to be installed, not only for the benefit of the Toy Library, but those using the connecting Cambridge Park in Vincent.

“There are no cameras in the park and I think that's our main focus now to get that set up,

we are advocating to get CCTV cameras set up permanently,” she said.

Vandalism at the Townsville Toy Library in Vincent. Picture supplied.

“This will help to ensure the library is visible but it will also mean that the park is safe.

It won’t just benefit the library, it will benefit the whole community.”

Ms Prenter said the library was a valuable community asset for young families and their money comes from membership fees, community support and grants.

“We are 100% volunteer run,” she said.

“Something like this, that is going to cost a lot, we don’t have that in our budget and we rely heavily on community support.”

Ms Prenter said The Townsville Toy Library is a reasonable and cost-effective way for families to access toys, an essential part of a child’s development,

“Our goal is to help each child reach their full potential through play,” she said.
“Play is the most important part of being a child and there are so many aspects to play that are learning-based.”

Aiming to be a sustainable initiative Ms Prenter said the library’s mission is to ensure toys are not ending up in landfill and are used until the end of their life, with half of the toy library donated from the Townsville community. She also said that with cost of living pressures, the toy library was a great option for those looking to save money.

“Our toys are good quality and toys these days are very expensive,” she said.

“Paying a $100 membership fee for one year allows for a family to borrow up to 8 toys a month. You would be paying $100 for two or three toys in store these days.”

Originally published as Townsville Toy Library vandalised for sixth time in four months, damage estimated in the thousands