The LBW Trust (Learning for a Better World) believes education is the pathway to a better future.
At The LBW Trust, we believe investing in learning leads to a better world. Through our work supporting education in rural and remote areas, we’ve seen the immense value of libraries in communities, especially in smaller towns like Robe.
Situated 337 kilometres from Adelaide and with a population of 1,542, Robe is a place where the local library and sports oval play central roles in bringing the community together, offering opportunities for both education and recreation.
That’s why we were excited to support the Robe Library’s Winter Holiday Program in 2024 in partnership with Friends of Libraries Australia. The funding helped bring a live children’s performance, SeaStar Rock, to life.
SeaStar Rock is an interactive and educational show aimed at children aged 0-7 that promotes environmental sustainability, self-esteem and positivity.
Bringing SeaStar Rock to Robe
Robe, though full of charm and community spirit, doesn’t often get the chance to host live theatre. For small towns like Robe, the cost and logistics of booking performers are significant barriers, especially given the town’s rural location. But thanks to the grant, the Robe Library was able to bring in SeaStar Rock, an engaging performance that saw 70 children plus parents, grandparents and caregivers filling the Robe Institute (home to the local library) to enjoy the show.
The performance brought a burst of energy, with local children joining the production as actors, providing them with a chance to engage in live theatre and share in the excitement.
The theme of the show focused on marine sustainability and self-esteem, and it was heartwarming to see the children dancing and enjoying the performance with big smiles on their faces.
Libraries and Cricket Ovals: The Heart of Rural Communities
In rural communities like Robe, there are two key locations that act as the beating heart of the town: the local library and the sports oval.
Whether it’s summer cricket or winter footy, the oval provides a space for physical activity and social connection. Meanwhile, the library remains a constant anchor in the community, offering access to books, digital resources, learning programs and events like SeaStar Rock.
While Robe’s library may not have the same resources or hours as libraries in larger cities, it remains an essential space for the community. Many rural libraries, especially those in small towns like Robe, operate on reduced hours or within smaller spaces due to budget constraints. Despite these challenges, they continue to play an essential role in creating a place for education, creativity and social engagement.
Supporting Libraries, Supporting Communities
The success of SeaStar Rock in Robe demonstrates just how impactful these small but significant events can be for rural communities. Libraries in these areas provide a space for young people to experience live theatre, creativity and learning, often for the first time. For Robe, this event was a rare opportunity that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of The LBW Trust and Friends of Libraries Australia.
As part of our commitment to rural communities, we know that investing in libraries helps keep these spaces open and accessible for all. Libraries in rural areas may have fewer resources or operate on limited hours, but they still offer something invaluable: a place for connection, learning and growth.
Robe is Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Robe Library hopes to expand its holiday programming and bring at least two live performances to the town each year. At The LBW Trust, we are excited to continue supporting initiatives like this and ensure that children in communities like Robe can experience the magic of live performances, educational programming and a sense of belonging, no matter how remote their location.
And as one delighted attendee summed it up best:
“There were kids everywhere…”
Thank You
A huge thank you to the Robe Library, the District Council of Robe, Friends of Library Australia and everyone who attended.
By investing in libraries, we invest in stronger, more connected communities. And when learning thrives, so does the world around us.
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Thank you,
The LBW Trust
