Fundraising for library items to begin

Items for the library section in particular of the Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance Precinct are being prearranged with community fundraising to begin.

Moira Shire Council have set a fundraising target of $230,000 and request Goulburn Valley Libraries to facilitate and lead the community fundraising for the furniture and fit out for the new Yarrawonga library.

In recent years the Cobram library received an upgrade with $211,000 raised through community efforts when the target was $150,000.

Those who donated over $500 to the Cobram Library construction were recognised via being named in a feature of the roof of the library. Larger donations, greater the $5,000 were recognized with naming rights of spaces or elements in the library

With the construction contract awarded and works having commenced on site, it is now timely to begin work on the operationalisation of the site. Therefore, it is important to start fundraising for the loose items not included in the construction contract to allow for their timely procurement.

At Moira Shire Council’s July ordinary meeting Cr Julie Brooks, who is involved in Goulburn Valley Libraires (GV Libraries), moved the motion and said it will be a great achievement for the community to raise the high amount of money which has been done previously in Cobram.

“As Chair of the Goulburn Valley Libraries board I would like to point out that this is an outstanding achievement for local libraries to raise this type of money that we are aspiring to raise,” Cr Brooks said.

“For the Cobram Library they managed to raise over the target amount which is an amazing achievement and I applaud their efforts. “I wish them well.”

Cr Peter Mansfield who seconded the motion also spoke in favour of the recommendation, handing out a challenge to the community of Yarrawonga and Mulwala.

“I fully endorse this recommendation as it is a terrific opportunity for the community of Yarrawonga Mulwala as well as the district community to contribute to this great facility that we are going to get in Yarrawonga,” Cr Mansfield said.

“I am sure that the figure suggested will be over subscribed.

“I challenge people to over subscribe that target.”

Cr Peter Lawless said GV libraries facilitate the libraries in some of the region’s larger towns with fundraising able to be met.

“Goulburn Valley library services cover towns such as Strathbogie and Shepparton Shires and I believe with what has happened in Cobram is there is thought of a certain amount of a donation may be recognised in some way in the facilities which is a great thing,” Cr Lawless said.

“Particularly service clubs that might put some money in together and put it in as a group, that may be an encouragement to donate.

“I recommend the motion and hope it is over scripted as this will be a terrific space for Yarrawonga.”

The July ordinary council meeting agenda states that library design architects have itemised and specified the furniture and fit out required for the library site in consultation with GV Libraries and the architect’s own library specialists.

This asset will become Moira Shire Councils with GV libraries to also contribute $30,000 for some loose items that they will own (kiosk, PCs).

In addition to purchasing new equipment GV libraries will also relocate a substantial amount of IT equipment from the existing library.

The target of $230,000 does not include the furniture and fit out for areas of the Library, Events and Performance Precinct that are not directly associated with the operations of the library.