Baw Baw Shire community encouraged to support campaign for a Culture and Connection Precinct

Baw Baw Shire Council is encouraging the community to get behind the campaign for a Culture and Connection Precinct and has released a virtual tour of the Precinct’s Stage One which will see the new Library and Learning Centre integrated with the West Gippsland Arts Centre and Civic Park via landscaped open spaces and pedestrian plaza to provide a vibrant modern town square and community hub central to Warragul’s CBD.

The new flythrough video from architects Croxon Ramsay shows off the many functions and features of the  Library and Learning Centre’s proposed design and facilities.

The flythrough video shows how the precinct will connect to the Arts Centre and wider civic precinct via a pedestrian plaza and landscaped terraces, and highlights key features of the Library and Learning Centre including:

• gallery spaces

• dedicated children’s library

• makers space

• tech hub

• collaborative spaces

• atrium

• rooftop terrace and more.

Led by the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct Project Reference Group (an assembly of councillors, community leaders and key stakeholders), a coordinated letter-writing campaign is now underway. The campaign calls on local MPs and ministers to put their support behind Baw Baw Shire Council’s government funding applications for this new social precinct.

Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct Project Reference Group Chair Councillor Danny Goss added “This flythrough video really brings the new Library and Learning Centre to life. I hope it inspires our community to get excited about the precinct and what it means for future generations.

“I’d urge everyone to get behind the precinct, send a letter to your local representatives and keep it on their agenda!”

Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Annemarie McCabe enthused “The Culture and Connection Precinct is something to be excited about, but we need a little help to support our funding applications and keep the precinct front of mind for our MP’s and ministers. That’s why we are rallying our community to get behind the campaign and send a letter. We’ve made it simple and fast to add your voice and explain what the Culture and Connection Precinct will mean to you.

“As a Council, we are committed to making this multigenerational precinct a reality for our community, but it’s not going to fall in our lap. We’ve committed $10 million to the project, but we need the support of the State and Federal Governments to get it over the line. That’s where we need your help. When it comes to advocacy, the voice of the community is our most valuable tool. The more voices we have highlighting the need and desire for the Culture and Connection Precinct, the stronger our case.”

Mayor McCabe advised “this precinct will become the heart of Baw Baw’s cultural and architectural landscape for generations to come. It will provide the perfect location for an amazing variety of community centred entertainment, events and services. The things we’ll be able to do in and around the Precinct are endless.”

The Mayor urged residents to visualise the activations which could light up the precinct’s new plaza. 

“The outdoor spaces will be just as vital as what’s inside,” said Mayor McCabe. “This precinct can be Baw Baw’s very own Fed Square; a humming destination of culture and events anchored by our inspiring new Library and Learning Centre.

“Imagine gathering in the plaza to watch the 2026 Commonwealth Games or the AFL Grand Final on our own big screen! Imagine illuminated sculpture festivals and glow in the dark inflatable fun parks, or settling into a beanbag for live music or outdoor cinema with friends on a summer night.

“I urge all residents to get involved and put their support behind the campaign to build the Culture and Connection Precinct. Just go to the campaign page, share your thoughts about why the government should co-fund the Culture & Connection Precinct and hit send!”

The plaza will be comprehensively fitted with power, lighting, and a big screen, allowing the space to host immersive outdoor experiences and provide an enhanced space for established events like Snowfest and local farmers and arts markets. 

Designed to cater for a range of programs and services, the Precinct will also offer the community opportunities to: 

• Discover more about the Baw Baw region’s history, places to visit, and things to do with interactive tourism information. 

• Learn a new hobby or make something creative in the maker’s space. 

• Connect and create digitally; use the video conferencing facilities, make a podcast, or use the 3D printer. 

• Loan a book, play a video game, log on to the free wifi, or simply relax in the reading rooms. 

• Catch up with family and friends for a coffee on the outdoor community plaza or rooftop terrace. 

• Use the free and accessible, family friendly changing places and parents’ room. 

Residents can join the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct community advocacy campaign by visiting bawbawadvocacy.good.do/LetsbuildtheBBCCP/email-mps/. The site provides quick and easy access to a letter of support that will be emailed directly to all local MPs and relevant ministers. The provided letter can be personalised for greater impact. 

To learn more about the Baw Baw Culture & Connection Precinct and Council’s broader advocacy priorities visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Advocacy-Priorities