The Andrews Labor Government is investing in communities in the Wimmera with the opening of new libraries in Jeparit and Rainbow and a major upgrade to the library in Nhill.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today opened the three libraries in the Hindmarsh Shire, supported with $387,500 from the Labor Government.
The new Jeparit Library is located in the heritage-listed Jeparit Memorial Hall and includes Wi-Fi access and reading spaces as does the new library at Rainbow, while the upgrade of Nhill Library includes dedicated spaces for nursing mothers, rooms for young adults and gaming consoles.
The Labor Government investment means all four major townships in Hindmarsh Shire now have access to first-rate library services, with the upgraded Dimboola Library opened in 2021.
It comes as applications open for the next round of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is a $4.5 million annual investment in public libraries, supporting councils to expand their library, build new libraries, upgrade facilities or purchase new mobile library vans so that remote communities have access to public library services.
The Government has invested more than $42.6 million over the last seven years into 109 library infrastructure projects throughout the state with a total project cost of $297 million.
More information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.auExternal Link.
To find out more about the projects helping communities and businesses thrive in your local area, visit delivering.vic.gov.auExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
"We know communities value their local libraries and the new libraries at Jeparit and Rainbow, along with the upgrade at Nhill will provide essential access to reading and culture."
"These libraries will continue to keep people in the Wimmera connected through a love of learning, community events and programs."
As stated by Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Melanie Albrecht
"Hindmarsh libraries have not only seen a physical transformation but are continuing to evolve to meet community needs, with the scope of services they offer."
