Baw Baw’s Own ‘Fed Square’ Taking Shape
Published on 30 May 2023
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.
“This precinct will become the heart of Baw Baw’s cultural and architectural landscape for generations to come,” said the Mayor. “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 activations which could light up the precinct’s new plaza.
“The outdoor spaces will be just as vital as what’s inside,” said the Mayor. “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.”
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.
“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,” said the mayor.
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.
“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,” said Mayor McCabe. “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 www.advancingbawbaw.com/culture. 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.