Lauding our library

ARMSTRONG Creek’s beloved Biyal-a library has made the shortlist of the 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards thanks to its unique and inspiring architecture.

As a former chair of Geelong Regional Library Corporation’s board, I was thrilled to hear about the shortlisting.

The library has been a fantastic addition to the Armstrong Creek community, with thousands through the door each week since it opened last July.

Libraries are places where imaginations soar, and Biyal-a is no exception.

Its intriguing ground floor mural, Innermost Journey to the Centre of the Mind, draws visitors in with its whimsical take on the intricate inner machinations of the human brain.

This intriguing creation, by Surf Coast artist Jeff Raglus, depicts a hive of activity – much like that in the minds of those who visit the library each day.

These visitors get to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside through the library’s large circular windows, and many of the building’s other design features pay tribute to these beautiful surrounds.

Buchan architects designed the library in close consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, honouring Armstrong Creek’s namesake watercourse.

Its floor pattern mimics a creek winding through the building and its rippling ceiling sculptures add to this ‘living water’ narrative.

The library’s rammed earth feature wall and timber bookshelves, furniture and fittings evoke the rich surrounding landscape and nearby red gums that give Biyal-a its name.

These design details and the local materials used in the library’s construction tell stories – just like more than 30,000 books and resources that make it such a valuable resource for the local community.

Libraries are centres of lifelong learning and serve as focal points for our residents, where they can connect and enjoy activities, discover more about the world around them or simply get lost in their favourite book.

Biyal-a’s interior design supports these vital functions with children’s story time and play areas, outdoor terraces and multipurpose and creative spaces – including a media studio and a maker space.

I’m proud of Council’s $20 million investment in this library, which has become a favourite location for many in our rapidly growing Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Mount Duneed communities.

The shortlisting of this wonderful, eye-catching facility is yet another example of why Geelong is Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, and I’m pleased to see it receiving national recognition.

I congratulate Buchan on the shortlisting and wish them the best at the Australian Interior Design Awards gala dinner, which takes place on 6 June.

And, in more good news for Biyal-a, Geelong Regional Libraries have introduced out-of-hours access so that even more people can enjoy this fantastic community asset.

This region-first initiative allows members who complete an induction to enter Biyal-a using their library card and a pin during its out-of-hours schedule.

I encourage anyone needing access outside of the library’s regular opening hours to take advantage of this new initiative.

For more information, head to grlc.vic.gov.au/news

Cr Ron Nelson

Barrabool Hills Ward,

City of Greater Geelong