Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo supplied: Whitsunday Regional Council
Whitsunday Libraries have earned two honours at the 2026 Queensland Public Libraries Association Conference, recognizing youth engagement as well as the contribution of local library professional Alicia Pond.
Whitsunday Regional Council won the Local Government Authority Award for populations over 35,000 for its Our Library, Our Space project, which gives young people a say in shaping library spaces and services.
Library team member Alicia Pond (Mulcahy) also had reason to celebrate, receiving the Cheryl Haughton Scholarship to explore how libraries can better show the difference they make in regional and rural communities.
Mayor Ry Collins said the recognition reflected the dedication of the libraries team and its role across the region.
“Modern libraries are so much more than shelves of books,” he said.
“They're places where people connect, kids discover new interests, young people find their voice and our communities come together.”
He praised the youth project for listening to young people and involving them in decisions about their libraries.
The honours celebrate work supporting welcoming library spaces and services for communities in Bowen, Collinsville, Proserpine and Cannonvale.
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