Bushfire recovery book hub ready for winter!

Published: 24 May 2021

It’s now even easier for residents of Tonimbuk, Garfield North and surrounding townships to curl up with a good book this winter with the placement of two street libraries in the area.

Tonimbuk Hall and Cannibal Creek Reserve now both house a street library for the community to utilise as part of a partnership between Bunyip and District Community House (BDCH) and Cardinia Shire Council. 

Bunyip and District Community House were successful in obtaining a COVID-19 Community Connection Grant funded by Council to facilitate 10 street libraries.  

The libraries contain children’s books, as well as resources that have been selected to benefit the community and to further assist in the recovery journey following the 2019 Bunyip Complex Bushfires. These include books on topics such as land management, mental health and wellbeing, and healthy relationships. 

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Brett Owen said he was delighted to see the street libraries installed in the area. 

“Council’s COVID-19 Community Connection Grants were aimed to create initiatives just like this. We thank the Bunyip and District Community House for helping create this social connection in the area and we look forward to residents accessing the books and resources. 

“The inclusion of recovery resources is a great addition to the Tonimbuk Hall and Cannibal Creek Reserve street libraries as the community will be able to use these valuable resources for years to come,” he said. 

Bunyip Ward Councillor Graeme Moore said he was looking forward to the community getting together and swapping their favourite books. 

“Getting neighbours to come together and share their favourite books is going to be such a special opportunity.  

“I’m sure that in the wake of the 2019 Bunyip Complex Bushfire and COVID-19 the residents of Tonimbuk and Garfield North will warmly welcome this social connection and it’s also a great opportunity to bump into your neighbour for a friendly chat!” he added. 

The books and resources were funded through the Victorian Government. 

Residents can browse and select books from the street library at any time (just make sure you return them after you are finished) or view the selection of books available here. 

Was this page useful?