The upper house of the Victorian Parliament will sit in the Echuca Library next Thursday, closing the library until Friday, April 19.
Mayor Rob Amos said a huge amount of logistical work has been undertaken by both the Victorian Parliament and Campaspe Shire Council.
“The team from Parliament has made several visits to Echuca in preparation for the events that are happening for this special regional sitting of the Legislative Council,” he said.
“Together with the council staff and local contractors, they will be transforming the library into the upper house chamber for the day.”
Young people from across the region will be given a chance to take part in activities, such as attending youth forums with members of Parliament in Shepparton and Kyabram on April 16 and 17.
“Students from Echuca College have been asked to cater the morning and afternoon teas for the members of Parliament and their staff, which is a fantastic opportunity for those young people to experience,” Cr Amos said.
On the day of the sitting, the area surrounding the library will be abuzz as school children are invited to attend educational sessions outside the library. There will be screens to televise the event, a coffee van and ice-cream truck.
“It promises to be a hive of activity and will be a truly memorable day in Echuca’s history,” Cr Amos said.
During their lunch break, Parliament members and staff will have the opportunity to try and buy goods from local producers.
“The regional sitting is a fantastic economic boost for our region as many local suppliers have been contracted to provide goods and services,” Cr Amos said.
“As well as this, accommodation, retail and hospitality providers will welcome a large number of guests from all over the state to our town.
“The other huge benefit of this regional sitting is that members of Parliament will be able to see first-hand the impact of the 2022 and 2024 floods, and this will strengthen our efforts to advocate for community needs.”
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