Sod turned at Armstrong Creek Library and Community Hub

WORK has officially started on the $20.4 million Armstrong Creek Library and Community Hub, with Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne and South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman breaking ground on the project on Tuesday last week.

Through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, the state government will invest $1.5 million into supporting the project, which will deliver new spaces for co-working, children’s and youth programs, meeting rooms and gender-neutral areas that will meet accessibility needs for the whole Armstrong Creek community to enjoy.

The centre will be constructed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, ensuring the design respects and embraces the area’s Wadawurrung cultural heritage.

For Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the site was historically a central gathering place for the First Nations clans to discuss shared interests, trade and socialise.

The proposed ‘Living Water’ design will show how vital water is to the wellbeing of all species connected to Country, and the Wadawurrung language will be embedded throughout the building’s design.

Ms Horne said she looked forward to seeing the positive impacts the library would have on the local community

“The Labor Government is investing in libraries that bring people of all generations together, creating spaces for communities to build meaningful connections and a life-long love of learning.

“Working collaboratively with the Traditional Owners of the land is vital to recognising the living cultural significance of this site.”

Mr Cheeseman said the new library and community hub facility would be a great feature for the rapidly growing community of Armstrong Creek.

“The number of families with children has almost tripled in Armstrong Creek in the last four years, that’s why this government is doing what matters and delivering a state-of-the-art library and community hub.”

Labor says it has invested more than $47.1 million dollars over the last eight years into 120 library infrastructure projects for a combined total investment with local councils of $345.8 million.

For more information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, head to localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants