Staying healthy and well is important in good times and trying times. Drought, flood, bushfires and change in prices can be a trying time for many farmers. The times when we least feel like looking after ourselves are when we need to do it the most.The National Centre for Farmer Health have a number of support services available if you need support.
Published on 20 August 2025
Hamilton’s CBD is set for a major transformation, with Council last night endorsing the Design Brief for the new Hamilton Library, Community Hub and Civic Square. This milestone paves the way to start the process of engaging architects, backed by a $5 million grant from the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP), to progress the project’s design phase.
The project will combine a new Hamilton library, the Digital Hub, office space for Council as well as other government services, multipurpose community spaces and a central, outdoor Civic Square, to be built on the site of the old Walkers building and Toyworld.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin welcomed the progression of this important project.
“This is a huge step forward towards the future of the Southern Grampians Shire.
“The vision we have is for the new Community Hub to be the beating heart of Hamilton and the wider Southern Grampians Shire. We’re envisioning a place in the middle of the shire where everyone feels welcome. The new library at its centre will be a vibrant, inclusive space where people can relax, learn, explore and connect with one another,” Cr Heslin said.
"Alongside this, the Digital Hub will bring huge opportunities for innovation and learning. By giving local businesses, students and community groups access to the latest digital tools and flexible workspaces, we’re helping our region keep pace with a rapidly changing world.
“The Hub will centralise local offices with a suite of government agencies, together with allied health services provided. The co-location of these services and the establishment of a shared customer service desk will streamline service delivery across multiple agencies and allow for a vastly improved and highly accessible customer service experience for southern Grampians residents and visitors.
“With shared government services, accessible meeting spaces, and a welcoming civic square, the Community Hub will change the way we connect with one another in town,” Cr Heslin concluded.
The next stage of the project, the development of the design, will be carried out in three parts. Firstly, the concept review and refinement stage will seek to engage the community and other stakeholders to confirm priorities and refine a two-storey design, while preparing a single storey alternative design. Next will be the detailed design process which will see the preparation of architectural, engineering and landscaping drawings and finally Project delivery.
The total budget, based on Council’s concept for this project is $34 million. $17 million has been allocated within the Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and Council is seeking the other $17 million in funding from Government Grants. The rPPP funding of $5 million already received will go towards design development, partnership agreement and project management for our three major projects, being this project, CBD Streetscape and the new Hamilton Gallery.
For more information about this and other Council projects, please visit our website.
-Ends-