Library’s name to reflect Wadawarrung culture

THE new library in Drysdale will be known as the Boronggook Drysdale Library after City of Greater Geelong councillors formally approved the new name at their meeting last week.

Bo-rong-gook is the Wadawarrung name for the immediate Drysdale locality and refers to turf, and is reflective of the history of the land.

The decision by the council comes after four weeks of community engagement, with the majority of respondents support the naming of the facility.

The construction of the Boronggook Drysdale Library is being funded by the city ($8.156 million) and the Victorian government ($1 million), and is scheduled to be completed in February next year.

Antarctica Architects & Architecture Associates designed the library and A W Nicholson Pty Ltd is now building it.

Located at the Drysdale Town Centre at 10 Wyndham Street, the new library is proposed to house civic and social infrastructure for the community and will provide access to a library service, community spaces, outdoor spaces and an adult changing places facility.

The city engaged with the Wadawarrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in the development and the inclusion of language in the naming of the new building to reflect Wadawurrung cultural heritage.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said it was an exciting time for the town.

“The Boronggook Drysdale Library will be a wonderful addition to the town for the residents of Drysdale and surrounding suburbs.

“It is important that Council recognises our region’s entire history and that we celebrate and embrace members of our First Nations community.

“I am proud that we have made the decision to name this facility Boronggook Drysdale Library and look forward to it being completed early next year.”

As well as the library, the facility will extend and complement existing services in the area by providing staff offices, a City of Greater Geelong Customer Service contact point and multi-purpose activity spaces.

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said he was confident the new library would be well supported by local residents.

“Libraries are such an important part of our community and provide so much more than books and technology.

“They provide a welcoming place to meet friends, learn new skills or attend classes, and I trust the Boronggook Drysdale Library will become a much-loved part of the town for many years to come.”

It is hoped the new building will be opened officially in April 2023 when the library has moved into the facility.