ALIA Queensland Library Achiever of the Year Award 2023

The 2023 Queensland Library Achiever of the Year Award was presented to QPLA President, Nicole Hunt at the recent ALIA QLD Mini-Conference, held at State Library of Queensland’s The Edge, 8 November 2023.

Nicole was both humbled and appreciative of this award. ALIA QLD advised the award was based on Nicole’s strong and ongoing involvement with national issues impacting public libraries, through her work with Townsville Citylibraries and as President of the Queensland Public Library Association (QPLA).

ALIA’s Regional Engagement Manager, Emily Wilson stated in ALIA’s eNews, “Nicole’s advocacy has achieved a deeper understanding for those involved, regarding how to meet challenges regarding library collections, and also how to ensure library collections are forged with reason and inclusivity in mind’. 

Nicole acknowledged and thanked TAFE Queensland, ALIA, ALIA Queensland and all who have been part of her library journey over the past 38 years. She is grateful to have worked across local government, TAFE, special and public libraries in Queensland and Victoria, alongside some truly generous and supportive people who have played key roles in her library career and helped strengthen her approach to ongoing advocacy for the public library sector.

This award is also recognition of QPLA’s continued role in supporting colleagues through the range of ongoing national issues impacting public libraries, all of which will be enhanced when Nicole commences her appointment as Chair, Australian Public Alliance in 2024, supported by APLA’s new Deputy Chair, Adele Casey. Nicole and Adele are looking forward to working closely with ALIA and the State and Territory Associations to enhance the library and information sector nationally.