City unveil Wadawurrung names for Armstrong Creek facilities

THE City of Greater Geelong has unveiled two new Wadawurrung names for the Armstrong Creek Library and Mount Duneed Community Hub.

The City has approved ‘Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library’ as the traditional name of the new $21.8 million Armstrong Creek Library, reflecting the overall Armstrong Creek valley-scape and its watercourse as a place of many red gums.

Set to be completed in early 2024, the new library’s name is reflected in the nature of the library, with a water-thread narrative set to be included on the surface of the ground floor amongst other features to capture First Nations culture and connection.

Upon completion, the three-level facility will feature a library service, accessible contemporary amenities, a children’s story time area and much more.

The library has received $20.3 million of funding from the City of Greater Geelong, while the Victorian government has also provided $1.5 million through a Living Libraries Grant.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the traditional title of the new facility was an appropriate reflection on the region in which it has been constructed.

“This facility will become a space in which our growing Armstrong Creek community can connect, socialise, learn, and thrive,” Mayor Sullivan said.

“It’s very appropriate to have a name that reflects the traditional nature of the area where the Armstrong Creek community has been established.

“The City engaged with the Wadawarrung Tradition Owners Aboriginal Corporation, who have considered and approved the naming process and understand the reason for the dual names.”

While the under-construction facility will bear the name Biyal-a, it will carry the registered title Biyala Armstrong Creek Library with the Office of Geographical Names, as emergency services have an inability to list and search a name with a hyphen, in emergency situations.

The City has also unveiled Poa Banyul Community Hub as the name of the local community centre which is nearing completion.

The name ‘Poa Banyul’ translates to ‘grassy hill’ in Wadawurrung language and has been developed with the assistance of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to reflect the First Nations cultural heritage of the area.

The new facility will accommodate a range of early years and family services and also include sessional kindergarten, maternity and child health and more.

The hub has jointly been funded by the council ($10.7 million) and the Victorian government ($2.25 million).

Councillor Bruce Harwood said the facility would become a wonderful asset to the community.

“Council is thrilled to be joining the Victorian government in providing a hub of this kind; it’s definitely a facility that is set to benefit the community for a long time to come,” Cr Harwood said.

“The beginning of kindergarten services is timely, particularly given the influx of young families into this region south of Grovedale.”

Upon completion, the facility will be handed over to not-for-profit organisation Meli to fit out and obtain licencing for kindergarten classes to commence in Term 3, 2023.