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Upcoming Baw Baw Culture and Connection precinct will transform Warragul civic space with a new library and amenities

Baw Baw Shire Mayor envisions a vibrant Culture and Connection Precinct, urging residents to support its development. The precinct will feature a library, outdoor plaza, and interactive spaces for community engagement and events.

By news@gippsland - 30th May 2023 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire's Mayor is encouraging the community to embrace the full 'Fed Square' potential of a regional Culture and Connection Precinct. Stage One of the Baw Baw Civic Precinct Master Plan 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 outdoor spaces are as crucial as the indoor ones; envisioning Baw Baw's own bustling cultural hub and supporting the project campaign

Visualise the activities

The mayor said, "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 activities which could light up the precinct's new plaza. "The outdoor spaces will be just as vital as what's inside. 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."

Transformation benefits

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.

Mayor McCabe said, "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,"

Community opportunity

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

Mayor McCabe said, "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."

Residents can join the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct community advocacy campaign by visiting Let's Build the Baw Baw Culture & Connection Precinct page. 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 Advocacy Priorities page or email advocacy@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

Pictures from Baw Baw shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
  Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to obtain licences as new state licensing scheme is enforced from 1 February 2026
  Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to comply with Victoria’s new licensing scheme, aiming to curb illegal sales, organised crime, and ensure consistent enforcement for safer regional communities.
• Cr Nathan Hersey elected as Mayor and Cr Brad Snell as Deputy Mayor for South Gippsland and other council updates
  Councillor Nathan Hersey was elected Mayor and Councillor Brad Snell Deputy Mayor of South Gippsland Shire for 12 months, marking Hersey’s second and Snell’s first term in these roles.
• Join South Gippsland Shire '16 Days of Activism' event with the theme 'Walk Against Family Violence' on
  Join Council's Walk Against Family Violence on 26 November in Leongatha. Wear orange, take part in the Respect photo pop-up, and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
• Kay Street Car Park construction progressing smoothly, delivering major new parking capacity for Traralgon CBD by 2026
  Construction of Traralgon’s five-level Kay Street Car Park is progressing on schedule for mid-2026, delivering 430 new CBD spaces and supporting local businesses, accessibility, and future regional growth.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.
• Darren Chester welcomes Aqua Energy redevelopment completion with modern aquatic, fitness, community facilities
  Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
  Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.