CQ Regional Rep Peta Browne has been catching up on the latest activities from across the central region.
BUNDABERG
Paint Gin Gin REaD Book Week Displays
Book Week in Gin Gin is a true community event. Paint Gin Gin REaD is an initiative of Gin Gin Library and is supported by the local Early Years Network. Paint Gin Gin REaD invites local businesses and community groups to become involved in supporting early literacy in their local town by creating a display themed around a children’s book. They also have the option to wear costumes to match their theme on the Wednesday of Book Week.
Local businesses are given support in creating their displays by being supplied with library books if needed, brainstorming display ideas (including how to incorporate their own products) and encouragement. Some business owners need some extra help as this can often be a bit out of their comfort zone. There is a good variety of displays. Some shop owners decorate their whole shops, some have small displays on the front counter, and one does very clever animated Facebook posts as they don’t have a shop front. Last year a perpetual trophy was introduced for a people’s choice award. The children vote for their favourite book display and the winner gets to proudly display the trophy until the next year.
An entry form is prepared listing the name and location of each business that has a display and this is shared with the local schools, kindergarten, childcare centre and playgroups. The schools print off the form for each student. In Book Week families visit each display and write down the theme on the entry form. They can then drop it off in the entry box at the library. Children who visit the most displays go into the draw to win a prize. There are three age categories of 0 – 5 years, 6 – 11 years and 12 – 15 years. The prizes are donated and this year the prizes were made up of Dymocks book vouchers donated by a business connected to one of the Early Years Network group members, books donated by local schools and book bags donated by a community member.
The Paint Gin Gin REaD Book Week Displays were launched in 2022 and have been successfully run for three years. This year there were 37 displays, which is significant in a town with a population of just over 1000 residents. During Book Week the whole town is buzzing!
This event is really rewarding, hearing how the families have enjoyed looking at all the displays and seeing how the businesses have enjoyed being involved. It does take significant time in working with each business but it’s a great way of raising awareness of the importance of reading and building relationships in the local community.
The Wind in the Willows Morning Tea
The Wind in the Willows morning tea held at Bundaberg Regional Libraries during Get Online Week 2024 was a fantastic event for the community. It provided a unique opportunity for residents to engage with literature, socialise and connect with like-minded individuals.
Dr Rena MacLeod’s lecture on The Wind in the Willows offered valuable insights into the classic novel, sparking thoughtful discussions and appreciation for the work. The catering by Trevor Green from the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre was simply exquisite, delighting our taste buds with every bite.
The Wind in the Willows quiz was both challenging and entertaining, keeping participants engaged and excited and the prizes were a delightful surprise to participants, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the event.
Funding from Good Things Australia was instrumental in making this event possible. By supporting community initiatives like these, Good Things Australia contributes to the digital literacy and overall well-being and cultural enrichment of the Bundaberg region.
LIVINGSTONE
The Livingstone Shire Library joined the inaugural Livingstone Health and Wellness Expo to launch a brand-new collection this September.
It was an amazing day for all ages filled with learning, laughter, and inspiration to live healthier, happier lives. Held in Beaman Park in the centre of the Yeppoon township, over 50 stallholders attended offering health, wellness, and lifestyle products and services. 12 speakers shared insights on everything from fitness to mental health. Library staff had a wonderful time connecting with the community.
Aside from books, DVDs and eresources, a new range of wellness equipment was launched and added to our existing Sports and Outdoor collection. There are weights, resistance bands, core sliders, jump ropes, pilates balls, blocks, bars and more! Whether you’re into yoga or strength training, we’ve got something to help you reach your fitness goals.
It is a small collection, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive, so we hope to add more items soon. A promotional campaign was run in the lead up to the Expo to pique interest. Staff got involved testing out the gear and making videos for social media. The items were catalogued and loanable at the event and staff were set up with laptops and ipads ready to pounce and sign people up to the library on the spot. In the advertising lead up we also promoted curated online collections of Health and Wellness ebooks, eaudiobooks, videos and courses on our various library apps.
We love to challenge and surprise our library members with #NotJustBooks and aim to keep diversifying our collections.
New Collection Launch video Sports Equipment at LSC (canva.com)
Carlyn Hepburn is from Community Development and Engagement and she was the mastermind behind the entire Expo.
Libraries shared a tent alongside Economy and Places and the Community and Cultural Services teams. Yeppoon is famous for pineapples hence the fruit’s inclusion! We were also promoting that Pinefest was two weeks away.
Photos were taken by Council communications staff.
MACKAY
Recently, Mackay Library had the pleasure of hosting Robyn and Sharon from the Whitsunday Regional Libraries, the second phase of the Words for Wellbeing Collection was successfully received. Their visit was part of an ongoing effort to enhance the Words for Wellbeing Collections, which serve the Isaac, Mackay, and Whitsunday regions. This curated collection of evidence-based self-help resources is designed to benefit the broader local government area, offering a range of medical resources to help individuals manage various health conditions and improve their overall wellbeing through credible and reliable information.
This initiative has been driven by Mackay Libraries and is a collaborative effort involving the North Queensland Primary Network, Mackay Base Hospital, Mackay Regional Council Libraries, Isaac Regional Council, and Whitsunday Regional Council. The partnership is set to continue, with more exciting initiatives planned.
The visit also provided an opportunity for library staff to exchange ideas and information, fostering hopes for more frequent interactions moving forward into 2025.
WHITSUNDAY
Whitsunday Regional Libraries are excited to share that we have been successful in securing grant funding from the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services in the amount of $475,000.00 over 5 years to implement a Seniors Social Isolation Program – Intergenerational Story Telling for Seniors.
Working with seniors in the community and collaborating with families, youth and the local schools we propose to deliver a program of social engagement and intergenerational storytelling throughout the Whitsundays. The project will provide opportunities for Seniors through a range of activities both in-library and out in the community to connect, share and promote stories about their lives and our region.