Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre was joined today by Bundoora MP Colin Brooks to announce $438,243 from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund to revitalise the outdoor spaces at the Diamond Valley Library in Greensborough.
Cr Eyre said the funding will completely revitalise and enhance library services including the development of a landscaped play-space which will encourage 'natural play', encouraging children to spend more time outdoors, learning more about the environment.
A newly designed integrated learning/play space and expanded community food garden will enable the library service to maximise the life skills program for the community and increase partnerships with schools, kindergartens and child care centres within the area.
"This is a game changer for the library, which is a long-standing and much-loved community facility that we are pleased to see receive funding from the Victorian Government. I would like to thank Local Government Minister Melissa Horne and the state member for Bundoora Colin Brooks MP for supporting our funding request," Cr Eyre said.
The generous funding will see a new outdoor learning and gathering space built in the back courtyard with the design incorporating sensory and exploratory play features for children, climbable surfaces, seating, lighting, a community food garden and a multipurpose open lawn area.
"We aren't forgetting about the front entrance, which will get a spruce up with new seating, lighting and a revamped entry for even better accessibility to this wonderful facility. We are very proud of our innovative approach to revitalising and activating this space for the residents of Nillumbik," Cr Eyre said.
Yarra Plenty Regional Library CEO Jane Cowell also highlighted the many benefits the funding will bring to the already excellent services provided by the library.
"The new outdoor learning space and sensory play area will offer a welcoming space for local families to connect with nature and each other, and work in a relaxing environment," she said.
"The project, once complete, will encourage everyone to return to the library and enjoy the sun and fresh air while accessing wi-fi, attend story time or garden play, read a book, do some vegetable gardening, or just have some fun."
The Growing Suburbs Fund helps eligible Councils to deliver new and upgraded facilities that improve communities' access to vital services.
The construction phase of the project is expected to commence mid-2023 and be completed towards the end of 2024.
Nillumbik Shire Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
Pictured: Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre, Yarra Plenty Regional Library CEO Jane Cowell and Bundoora MP Colin Brooks in the outdoor area of the Diamond Valley Library.
