Former Lalor MP and Australia’s first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard returned to where her career in politics began last week to open a library named in her honour.
Wyndham council decided to name the library after Ms Gillard to acknowledge her dedication to education and learning in the electorate, and across the country.
“I don’t know what to say other than I’m tremendously proud,” Ms Gillard said at the opening. She said it’s not often you go through a career in politics and come out and have things to be named after you.
Ms Gillard said it was important for a growing community to have access to a library.
“Building all these houses in Tarneit, it’s important to ensure there is also equitable access to internet in Lalor.”
When Ms Gillard was elected as Lalor MP in 2001, Tarneit’s population was about 340. It is now more than 20,000.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said it was a thrill to have Ms Gillard open the library.
“This library will provide a place for our residents to learn, socialise and create a better future for Wyndham – all things Ms Gillard represented during her time as both Lalor MP and our first female Prime Minister,” she said.
The new library features program and activity rooms, study rooms, 23 public access computers and 40,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other items for loan.
Since opening its doors to the public in December, the library has had 20,000 visits and made 40,000 loans.
