Celebrate the opening of The Glasshouse

Published on 17 November 2025

Celebrations will be held on Monday, 8 December to mark the official opening of The Glasshouse – the Gannawarra’s new community meeting and digital connectivity space.

Located at Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library, the $3.07 million facility will enable the Gannawarra Library Service to deliver digital programs, including movie making, sound and music recording, whilst the flexible and scalable meeting space features technology necessary for modern meetings, conferences and training sessions.

Festivities will occur from 9am-11am on the day, including tours of the building, the official opening at 10am and a free morning tea.

“Council is excited to welcome residents to The Glasshouse and learn about how this regionally unique venue will support community connections,” Gannawarra Shire Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Wade Williams said.

“People who attend the opening will be able to learn how the building’s two digital media pods can be used for private meetings or podcast creation, as well as explore how community groups or event organisers can make the most of the building’s audio-visual capabilities and flexible space options for their next gathering, conference or celebration.

“The official opening also marks the end of an almost four-year period that began with the announcement of the State Government’s support for the project and more than a year’s worth of construction work to ensure this building meets our community’s needs.”

The opening will also feature a virtual book reading session with the authors of the renowned Australian Bin Chicken series, Kate and Jol Temple at 9.30am for the Gannawarra’s younger residents.

“Kate and Jol have written more than 40 books, including their popular Bin Chicken series of books that first hit bookshelves in 2020,” Mr Williams said.

“With the ibis a renowned symbol of the Gannawarra and the municipality being home to the largest ibis rookery in the southern hemisphere, it is fitting to have Kate and Jol join us for this special event.”

To assist with catering, people planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Monday, 1 December by emailing partnerships@gsc.vic.gov.au or phoning the Gannawarra Library Service on (03) 5452 1546.

Construction of The Glasshouse was supported by a $1.5 million grant from the State Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.