Backing Libraries and Learning Across Victoria
The Victorian Government is building on the central role that libraries play in communities across the state, backed by record investment in services and resources.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane joined representatives from the Victorian public library sector for the Libraries by Design Conference, highlighting the importance of libraries in Victoria. Co-hosted by Public Libraries Victoria and State Library Victoria, the virtual conference explored innovative library design themes and celebrated the role that libraries play in creating a thriving, equitable and sustainable world.
Public libraries will receive record funding of $47.4 million in 2021-22 with the Public Libraries Program receiving an additional $9.3 million over four years in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to enable libraries to buy new books and collection items, run online services and expand their community programs.
The Government is also investing in new and upgraded libraries with $10.1 million available in 2021-22 through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
Applications for this funding round will open in the second half of 2021.
Public libraries also benefit from the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, with $1.1 million available in 2021-22 for books and materials to support young readers.
Victoria is home to 276 permanent library branches and 28 mobile library services, with more than 2.1 million library members across the state.
Quotes attributable to Member for Hawthorn John Kennedy
“With more funding than ever before, the Andrews Government is backing local councils, libraries and Vision Australia to provide public library services to encourage lifelong learning for all.”
“Libraries are an essential resource for the wellbeing of our society – they provide a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can expand their worlds.”
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Safety on Toorak Road & The Pasifika Youth Research Project
June 24, 2021
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June 24, 2021News
Parliament
Energy Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
June 24, 2021 - Parliament
Let me contribute to this debate on the Energy Legislation Amendment Bill 2021. My comments today will submit that this bill is needed as Victoria transitions to new forms of energy which will not only drive down emissions but ensure we meet our emissions targets...
Business Support Following Circuit-Breaker Lockdown
June 24, 2021 - Parliament
My question is for the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery and concerns the support being provided to businesses in my electorate of Hawthorn during the circuit-breaker lockdown. The more than $500 million circuit-breaker business support package is helping Victorian businesses directly affected by the...
Safety on Toorak Road & The Pasifika Youth Research Project
June 24, 2021 - Parliament
TOORAK ROAD, CAMBERWELL, ROAD SAFETY Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (09:56): I rise today to provide two important updates from the Hawthorn electorate. Standing alongside the member for Burwood, I am glad to represent a Victorian government improving road safety on Toorak Road near Hartwell Primary School....
Education and Training Reform Amendment (Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership) Bill 2021
June 23, 2021 - Parliament
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Gardiner’s Creek Loan of $5.4M
June 10, 2021 - News, Parliament
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June 10, 2021 - News, Parliament
Member’s Statement Although currently unable to visit a gym, I recently received my first jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine at Access Health and Community in Hawthorn. Today I want to encourage my constituents, fellow Victorians and Australians to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If...
Child Wellbeing and Safety (Child Safe Standards Compliance and Enforcement) Bill 2021
June 9, 2021 - News, Parliament
Bill Speech Over lunch the discussion was with the German philosopher Goethe, who said, ‘As knowledge grows, so does doubt’. I have sometimes observed that this is a problem for some of us here in this place—but nonetheless, let me just say there appears to...
Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) Bill 2021
June 8, 2021 - News, Parliament
Bill Speech I rise today to speak on the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) Bill 2021. As a former educator I will contend that this bill is essential in ensuring schools are safe places of work and learning for staff and...
Compass Education
April 1, 2021 - News, Parliament
Member’s Statement Given on 16 March 2021. “I recently visited the offices of Compass Education, an education technology platform, and met with founders John de la Motte and Lucas Filer and their friendly staff. Compass is a popular all-in-one school management system that helps schools...
Honouring Hawthorn’s Citizen Of The Year
February 4, 2021 - News, Parliament
It was my pleasure on Thursday the 4th of February 2021, to take a moment in Parliament to honour Yvonne Giltinan, a Hawthorn constituent who was recognised by the City of Boroondara on the 26th of January as both Citizen of the Year, and Outstanding...