After an extensive internal renovation, Towong Shire Council is pleased to announce that the Corryong Elyne Mitchell Library has officially reopened.
A community event to celebrate the reopening was held on Saturday 21 March, with Towong Shire Council Mayor Peter Tolsher joined by Mr Colin Morrison representing the Victorian Department of Government Services, and Mrs Honor Auchinleck, daughter of Elyne Mitchell.
Towong Shire Council was successful in securing $320,000 through the Victorian Government’s 2024–25 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program to facilitate this major upgrade. Funding applications under the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program are extremely competitive, and Towong Shire was one of only a handful of councils to receive support through the program in 2024–25.
Mayor Peter Tolsher said the upgraded library represents an important investment in the future of the community.
“This new library is more than a renovated building; it’s a true community asset that better reflects the aspirations of residents for a more functional and engaging public space,” Mayor Tolsher said.
“It offers improved spaces for reading, learning, participating in programs and coming together as a community. By investing in our library, we have invested in the future of our community – in education, connection and opportunity.”
The library upgrade and renovation would not have been possible without the collaboration of many partners. Council warmly thanks the Victorian Department of Government Services for the $320,000 in funding provided through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
The Corryong library proudly carries the name of Elyne Mitchell OAM, the much-loved local author best known for the Silver Brumby series and her deep connection to the Upper Murray. Elyne lived at Towong Hill and drew inspiration from the surrounding landscapes and mountains for much of her writing.
In honour of her legacy, the library holds a complete selection of her works, celebrating the significant contribution she made to Australian literature and to the Upper Murray community.
Council was delighted to have Mr Morrison representing the Victorian Department of Government Services, and Mrs Auchinleck present for the official reopening.
Council also acknowledges Thomas Eames from Eames Architects for leading community consultation for the renovation and designing a space that truly reflects what the community wanted. Q1 Constructions are thanked for the high-quality workmanship and finishes delivered throughout the renovated library.
Council further acknowledges Uncle Phil Murray for supplying the Aboriginal artefacts featured in the library and for conducting the smoking ceremony at the reopening, adding deeper cultural meaning to the event.
Benefits of the library upgrade include:
- A new reading room and quiet study spaces
- An early years area with flexible, child-friendly furniture
- A small private meeting room for telehealth and confidential use
- Improved acoustic treatment, layout and lighting
- Integration with the existing rear meeting space to support training and events
- Upgraded technology, including RFID self-service and return equipment
- Furniture and fittings that support collaboration, learning and inclusion
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