The City of Greater Geelong Council has approved 'Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library' as the traditional name of the new $21.864 million Armstrong Creek Library, reflecting the overall Armstrong Creek valley-scape and its watercourse as a place of many red gums'.
'Biyal-a' also expresses that the 'red gums speak lots of stories'.
Both translations are reflected in the nature of the library, given the lay-out of the internal spaces and their proposed uses, along with the water-thread-narrative to be included on the surface of the ground floor.
Adjoining the Armstrong Creek Town Square and shopping precinct, the facility is beginning to take shape with the lower-level facades now in place.
Upon completion, the three-level facility will feature a library service, accessible contemporary amenities, a children's story time area, multipurpose spaces, outdoor terraces and creative places for programming.
The Hub will boast the latest environmentally sensitive features and carry a 5-Star Green Star design and construction rating.
Along with the City's contribution of $20.364 million, the Victorian Government has provided $1.5 million through a Living Libraries Grant.
While the under-construction facility will bear the name Biyal-a it will carry the registered title Biyala Armstrong Creek Library with the Office of Geographical Names, as emergency services have an inability to list and search a name with a hyphen, in emergency situations.
The library is due for completion in early 2024.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
The traditional title of the new centre of learning is an appropriate reflection on the region in which it has been constructed.
This facility will become a space in which our growing Armstrong Creek community can connect, socialise, learn, and thrive.
It's very appropriate to have a name that reflects the traditional nature of the area where the Armstrong Creek community has been established.
The City engaged with the Wadawarrung Tradition Owners Aboriginal Corporation, who have considered and approved the naming process and understand the reason for the dual names.
Councillor Ron Nelson
Council's desire for a facility of this kind is that it becomes a central hub to benefit residents right across the Armstrong Creek region.
Just as Biyal-a expresses that the red gums speak lots of stories, our hope is that, once complete, the library will be a place of great learning where many stories are told, read and listened to.
