State Library of Queensland, Brisbane | 14–15 October 2025
The QPLA LEaD Professional Development event brought together library professionals from across Queensland for two days of learning, collaboration, and celebration at the State Library of Queensland.
Program Highlights
Day One – Tuesday 14 October
- IFLA Measurement, Evaluation and Demonstrating Library Impact – Jan Richards
- Practical Leadership – Chris Jones
- SLQ Curated Tours including:
- Culture Love at kuril dhagun
- Brisbane Portrait Prize in slq Gallery
- Library Leaders Program Participation
Day Two – Wednesday 15 October
- QPLA Annual General Meeting
- SLQ Workshop – Louise Denoon
- Subscribe to PL Connect newsletter
- Join a Discussion list
- De-escalation Workshop – Peter Saxon, Acacia Training
The event was formally opened with a warm Welcome Reception held at the John Oxley Library on Tuesday 14 October 2025. QPLA extends sincere thanks to the State Library of Queensland and the amazing staff for hosting and supporting this event.
A highlight of the reception was the announcement of the landmark Library Leaders Program partnership between SLQ and QPLA, which will run for the next four years. We were proud to welcome the 10 leaders for the 2025/26 cohort as they begin their journey of professional growth and sector leadership.
Local Buy’s Category Manager, Daniel O’Donnell, and General Manager, Glen Duff, joined the QPLA LEaD event to formally present the annual rebate cheque to QPLA. This vital contribution directly supports the delivery of professional development programs and conferences for public library staff across Queensland’s 46 QPLA Member Councils, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between Local Buy and QPLA.
🏆 Awards Presented
- Multicultural Excellence Award – Sponsored by CAVAL
- Innovation in Heritage Services Award – Sponsored by Accessible Formats Australia
- Local Government Award 2025–26 – Sponsored by QPLA
QPLA acknowledges the strong and ongoing partnership with State Library of Queensland and thanks all sponsors for their generous support and engaging showcases across both days.
This year’s QPLA LEaD Professional Development event was shaped by feedback from our members and proudly reflected the collective priorities of Queensland’s public libraries. Over two dynamic days, the program reinforced the importance of professional development, strong sector partnerships, sector networking and the vital role libraries play in leading, innovating, and connecting communities.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make the event a resounding success.
Thank you so much to the committee for all your efforts in organising professional opportunities for public librarians in Queensland. Congratulations to the SLQ/QPLA Library Leaders – such interesting projects designed by these inspiring library professionals.