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Master chefs in the making Surfside Primary School grade six students Mia-Rose, Sophia, Archer and Ilias (pictured) and 71 of their classmates got their inner master chef on this week. The school’s culinary program culminated with a cook of using Australian Indigenous ingredients as the theme. Students learned the art of cooking, nutrition, teamwork, planning and having fun. ■ Story: Page 5.
Library fund to and fro By Justin Flynn Bellarine MP Alison Marchant has accused the City of Greater Geelong of being “ready for a photo opportunity” at the opening of the Boronggook Drysdale Library when it knew it would not be able to fund its operational costs. The new library was opened on May 5 just days after the city announced its 2023-24 budget, which exposed a shortfall in operational funding of the region’s libraries. Barwon Heads, Geelong West and Highton libraries are facing closure due to a lack of
funding while other libraries, including Boronggook Drysdale, are earmarked for reduced operating hours. The moves have angered residents who have organised rallies and bombarded council with letters, petitions and in-person meetings in protest of the changes. At the Boronggook Drysdale Library official opening on May 5, Ms Marchant spoke of the state government’s $1 million contribution to building the library. “In my address at the official opening of the Boronggook Drysdale Library, I expressed the
importance of libraries, its social impacts and significance of its addition to residents of the north Bellarine region,” she said. “Stating – we recognise that libraries enrich local communities by supporting a culturethat values reading, learning and social connection. “It is incredibly disappointing that CoGG were ready for the photo opportunity but not prepared to fund the Boronggook Drysdale Library’s operational costs. “I congratulate the community for their continued advocacy. They have been diligent, passionate and extremely proficient in their
arguments for change. “I proudly stand with the community and support their calls for the council to do better. I believe the community feels swindled, when the council were happy to grandstand at its official opening knowing full well that they would not be funding its ongoing operation adequately. “It is now time for the council to do the right thing. I respectfully ask the council to fund the GRLC fully and appropriately.” ■ Continued: Page 3.
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