General News
18 August, 2026
Group looks for new home
COMMUNITY groups that meet in former Atherton State School buildings on a Mabel Street property have been told by Tablelands Regional Council that they need to find a new home.
The land at 42 Mabel Street will be subdivided and partially sold as part of the council’s “divestment” program, but it means community groups will now have to find alternative venues in which to gather.
The land is to be divided into two lots so a 15,000 sq metre parcel can be sold off for a commercial development, while a 10,000 sq m parcel will be retained by council for a new civic building that would house a future council administration centre.
Council has informed the groups they need to vacate the premises by the end of the financial year. It is understood at least 10 community organisations currently use the buildings.
The move has prompted U3A Atherton Tablelands (U3AAT) to call on the community for help to find a new home so it can continue providing affordable learning, activities, and social connection for its 300 members.
Established in 2011, the volunteer-run registered charity offers around 31 member-led classes, totalling more than 100 hours of activities each month.
For most of its 15 years, U3AAT has operated from Room 22, a demountable located on the Mabel Street property.
“Council has advised organisations using the community centre that the property forms part of its divestment program and the former Atherton State School buildings are to be deconstructed,” president Barbara Whybird said.
“We understand we will need to vacate the premises by the end of the financial year and with no suitable alternative venue currently available, we are now turning to the wider Tablelands community for help.”
According to a TRC spokesperson, “no date for anything has been set for that building”.
“Meetings have been held every day (last) week, and by the end of this (last) week council will have met with all but one affected group. Consultation so far has been positive, and next steps will be working with those groups to find solutions to suit their needs,” he said.
For U3AAT, the search will continue for a new venue to suit the group’s many and varied activities.
“Finding a suitable home is about much more than finding somewhere to hold classes,” she said.
“U3AAT draws on the knowledge, skills, and experience of its members to offer educational, cultural, physical, and social activities that support healthy and active ageing.
“Just as importantly, its classes provide friendship, connection and a sense of belonging for older people in the community.
“Without an affordable new venue, the continuation of many of these activities could be at risk.”
Mrs Whybird said the group had low membership fees and courses were generally provided at no additional cost, other than where materials were required.
“This ensures activities remain accessible and affordable, particularly for members who are retired,” she said.
“However, it also means commercial rental costs are beyond the organisation’s means.”
An ideal new home would be within the Atherton-Tolga area and include space to comfortably seat up to 40 people in a class setting; nearby toilet facilities; secure storage for audio-visual and office equipment; easy access for people with limited mobility; and kitchen facilities, if possible.
Anyone who knows of a suitable venue, or has a suggestion that may help, is encouraged to contact Mrs Whybird at gbwhybird@bigpond.com
