Funding for much needed update

MAIDEN Gully Primary is set to receive upgrades to the school libraries heating and cooling systems following the confirmation of a Federal Government grant.

Originally pitched during the 2022 Federal election campaign, the $50,000 is part of a $270 million nation wide program.

Maiden Gully principal Craig Arrowsmith said the capital works would make the library a more attractive space for students.

“What we are trying to do is make it a more inviting area,” he said.

“The first part of that would be around heating and cooling. At the moment it doesn’t exist there, on extremely warm days it’s not a great place to come and sit around and read books.”

Mr Arrowsmith said the library had been “left behind” and the updated heating and cooling is just stage one.

“Literacy and numeracy are a key priority of the school,” he said. “And one of our key resources wasn’t really in the position where it looked inviting.

“The plan is a purpose-built facility, and it really is a complete makeover.

“We want to add things like book shelving, flexible seating spaces and really inviting furnishings to encourage students to spend time there.”

Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said that Maiden Gully was well deserving of the funding and due for an updated library.

“This is a very popular school that has an amazing school community,” she said. “But they have outgrown the space.

“It’s important to have those spaces for students that may want some quiet time and may prefer reading.”