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Publish date: 18 July 2025
RECENT testing at Charlton Shire Hall found deterioration in wall cavities within decorative brickwork, prompting safety concerns.
The testing followed a routine Hazardous Materials Audit in May 2025 by Safety Systems Bendigo Pty Ltd, which identified materials within the wall cavities as potentially containing friable asbestos containing materials (ACM).
Council was advised of the laboratory analysis by a NATA-accredited facility on 11 June 2025, confirming the presence of Amosite asbestos within the cavity of the decorative brick work sections on the north, east and west walls of the hall.
Visual inspection indicated deterioration of the poorly bonded ACM surfaces within the cavity increasing the risk of airborne fibre release or transfer to other areas.
As a precaution, Buloke Shire Council temporarily closed the hall and commissioned further air and surface sample analysis testing by Safety Systems Bendigo on 12 June 2025. Settled dust samples were collected from the hall floor, stage floor, hall and wall vents, entrance, and library.
Laboratory results confirmed no asbestos was detected in the dust, nor any trace of respirable asbestos fibres.
Additionally, air monitoring conducted inside the hall at the north and south ends, as per the Certificate of Analysis for Asbestos Airborne Fibres for Volumetric Air Sampling, did not detect airborne asbestos fibres.
These findings indicate that hall users were unlikely to have been exposed to airborne asbestos from historical dust accumulation. The hall’s temporary closure has been extended while Council explores treatment options and ensures safe works.
The Charlton RSL remains open and unaffected.
Charlton Library To minimise disruption, a mobile library will continue operating outside the Charlton Shire Office every Tuesday from 10am to 2pm, offering returns, pick-ups, and inter-library loans.
Community members can also access Council’s online library services anytime at www.buloke.vic.gov.au/libraries.
Council remains committed to clear communication and a safety-first approach and thanks the community for its patience and understanding.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet is available on Council’s website and about the audit process and findings.
For more information, contact Council on 1300 520 520 or visit www.buloke.vic.gov.au.
Photo below: Charlton Shire Hall brickwork tests confirmed Amosite asbestos within the cavity of the decorative brick work sections on the north, east and west walls of the hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
For further information contact 1300 520 520 or media@buloke.vic.gov.au