August 21st, 2024Save on heating bill, chill in the library: council
Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the shire’s four libraries as free ‘warm spaces’ and enjoy an abundance of literature and free activities during the colder months.
In partnership with Goldfields Libraries and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, the local council is backing an initiative to utilise libraries at Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey during business hours, to help people reduce energy costs and stay connected throughout winter and beyond.
In addition to offering literature in different formats including books, eBooks and audiobooks, all four libraries also have free Wi-Fi, daily newspapers and free activities for all ages.
Goldfields Library Corporation’s Manager Engagement and Operations, Jess Saunders, said in the current climate where many people are experiencing cost of living pressures, libraries were a great option for people to keep warm, participate in free activities and stay socially connected.
“Libraries are safe and inclusive spaces, and everyone is welcome to use them. You can stay all day in a comfortable warm environment, surrounded by friendly people, without needing to spend any money or worry about running up energy bills,” she said.
Following National Homelessness Week, 5-11 August, the council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, is encouraging those experiencing homelessness to reach out for support and use libraries as a safe, warm space to help stay connected.
“We know providing public warm spaces doesn’t solve the issue of homelessness, but it does go some way towards providing a safe space, where people can feel connected to the community,” Ms Weiss said.
“That connection can also provide an opportunity to find out what other services may be available to them.”
Support services are provided locally by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, with the organisation’s Team Leader Housing Support and Financial Services, Kate Weston, saying they can assist anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Macedon Ranges.
“We can also refer people to other services that the organisation offers such as counselling and family services,” Ms Weston said.
“The warm spaces initiative offers local community members a valuable source of support where they can access lots of useful information.”
Exploring and facilitating warm, safe spaces for residents during times of extreme weather is a key action in Council’s Climate Emergency Plan 2023-30, to assist with strengthening communities’ collective resilience to climate change events.
The council has also committed to advocating for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through its Affordable Housing Policy, which was adopted in June 2023, and its Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025.
“Through these commitments, we are working closely with key stakeholders to support more affordable housing options and help address the issue of homelessness in our community, and to raise awareness of support services available,” said Ms Weiss.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, you can contact Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) on 03 5421 1666 or the Launch Housing Emergency Accommodation Crisis Line (after hours) on 1800 825 955.
