Central Qld Regional Rep Peta Browne has been catching up on the latest activities from across the central region.
Bundaberg Regional Libraries
Fun and Games
Our Fun & Games (tabletop games) program for adults was introduced early in the year as we wished to provide social connection opportunities for adults. Originally held fortnightly on a Wednesday afternoon, due to low numbers we switched to weekly on a Tuesday morning from July. It has been very heartening to see a significant increase in attendance with this change! We had enormous support also from our Council Comms team who helped promote the program with articles and social posts, and even a video. We have also purchased new games in response to a request for dementia-friendly games and this has been well received.
Library Manager, Peta Browne, participated in the QPLA/SLQ Library Leadership inaugural program and setting up Fun & Games was Peta’s project. With much help from her fabulous mentor, Kaley Schelks (SLQ), this program has built into a solid offering.
An intense game of Scrabble at Fun & Games!
Childers Library turns 25!
The current Childers Library turned 25 on 22 July. We celebrated with a morning tea and memorabilia display.
Peta Browne (Manager Libraries) and Kim Green (Childers Library Coordinator) cut the cake for the Childers Library 25th anniversary.
Partnering with Council Departments to inform community
Recently, we’ve hosted displays and information sessions by fellow Council departments that help inform our community about important topics.
- Let’s Get It Sorted – Recycling
During late August members of Council’s Waste and Recycling team hosted a stall in three of our libraries to help residents understand the ins and outs of recycling. Residents had the opportunity to ask lots of questions and to find out more about recycling in our region.
- National Water Week
During late October Council’s Water Services team set up what has become their annual National Water Week display. It featured lots of great information, but also the toilet (behind the colourful toilet paper in the image) and the ‘magic tap’ (at left). The magic tap has water constantly running through it and is connected to a water meter so people can see the meter tick over.
National Water Week display at Bundaberg Library.
- Get Ready Week – Disaster preparedness
For Get Ready Week in early October a Disaster Management team member gave a talk on being disaster prepared. Bundaberg Library also partnered with this department, the local Fire and Rescue Department and QLD Health’s Birdies Tree team to bring a special Storytime to life. The children were amazed by the Fire Fighters who got dressed in all their protective gear and shared some great tips on what to do in a fire. Over 30 families all received a free Birdie’s Tree book and a disaster management pack (the yellow bag in the image).
Youth Services Librarian Jaala Beauchamp at the Get Ready Week Storytime.
Childers Read to Me Day
The tenth Childers Read to Me Day was held on 10 September. The Library is one of the partners in this day which sees classes of local schoolchildren visit the multiple readings stations located along the Childers main street (eg. library, neighbourhood centre, art gallery, park). At each station they are read a story (by a librarian, police officer, Councillor, and many other community members). Each station is themed, and the adults all dress up according to their theme! A lot of effort is put into the costumes, and it really helps to make the day – for adults and kids alike! The day is designed to make reading fun and encourage early years literacy.
Seniors Month – Mahjong for Beginners
At Childers Library during Seniors Month, a Mahjong session for beginners was held. Local Mahjong players who regularly play in the library came along to showcase the game to those curious about how to play.
Welcome Baby and Family Flourish Day
This day, held on 3 July 2025, gave the library the opportunity to interact with over 200 families from across the region. We set up a reading/activity station and promoted the libraries, our youth services, and the First 5 Forever message. This event is a partnership between over 30 organisations.
NAIDOC Block Party
The NAIDOC Block Party on 9 July 2025 was a hit! We were invited by IWC (Indigenous Wellbeing Centre) to host an activity space which meant we were able to yarn with hundreds of families at this successful event. Over 400 people attended.
Paint Bundy REaD Rosie & Bubbles Reading Celebration
The Paint Bundy REaD ‘Rosie and Bubbles’ Reading Celebration was held in the library on 20 August and the PTTR (Paint the Town REaD) puppets needed a babycino to relax after a fun filled morning of stories, play, craft and facepainting with over 60 children in attendance. This event was possible thanks to partnerships with local children’s organisations and the Paint Bundy REaD working group. First 5 Forever supplied free copies of the puppets’ favourite book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, which was so well received by families attending.
Rosie and Bubbles enjoying their babycino.
Book Week
In the Bundaberg Library we hosted our annual Book Week Storytime and parade on 21 August. Over 20 children paraded through the library in their Book Week costumes while staff who were also in costume watched the procession and cheered on the kids. It’s always adorable! This was a very special Storytime for lots of proud parents.
Childers Library and Gin Gin Library also celebrated with staff and kids getting into costume!
Magical Storyland interactive exhibition
Gin Gin Library hosted an interactive exhibition, the Magical Storyland, during October and November. Supported by First 5 Forever, this exhibition encouraged creativity, imagination, and early literacy through the fantasy world of castles, dragons, fairies and gnomes.
Magical Storyland interactive exhibition at Gin Gin Library.
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Blackwater Halloween
The Blackwater Library held a special Halloween event on Friday 31st of October from 4 – 7.30pm. This included a spooky story time at 4.30pm that had 55 children attend and receive book bags/packs. The rest of the evening involved trick or treating of all ages.
We collaborated with local Kelli Willmott, who throws a yearly Halloween bash for all ages. The local police also came to the event and handed out ice blocks donated by our local Woolworths.
The event was a huge success with well over 1000 people coming through the library. We handed out 400 lanyards with all our library information and programs on flyers.
Blackwater Halloween Event.
Children’s Week
All 9 branches across the Central Highlands Region held Children’s week themed Storytimes and activities. In Emerald Library, the session for school aged children was a Book Bingo session which began with children sharing about the books they had read. They spoke confidently about their favourite stories and characters. After the sharing, students played Book Bingo, marking off reading achievements on their cards. Everyone joined in with great enthusiasm.
At the end, small presents were given to all participants as a reward for their effort and love of reading. The session was enjoyable and inspired students to keep reading more books.
Seniors Month
Seniors Month was celebrated in all 9 branches with each branch hosting a dedicated session each week.
A total of 6 senior participants attended the session. The event was facilitated by two instructors at Emerald Library. Many expressed joy in learning a new hobby and enjoyed customising their candles with personal scents and colours. The instructors guided them step-by-step, ensuring safety and creative freedom. Afternoon Tea was served for our attendees. The event concluded with participants proudly displaying their finished candles. Many requested similar art and craft sessions in the future, such as soap making or flower arranging.
Seniors at the candle making session at Emerald Library.
LIVINGSTONE
F5FIt’s been an enormous year for Livingstone Libraries in the childrens’ programming and events space. Highlights of the last 6 months include:
- Reptile Experience at Yeppoon Library in partnership with Cooberrie Park and F5F – This was our largest childrens’ event ever to date. In 90 minutes we had 500 adults and children through our doors. Every square inch of Yeppoon library was filled, with people crowded outside in the foyer and pathways as well. It was a huge success. A massive shout out to our Children’s Services Officer – Sally Faulkner for organising such a successful event.
Cooberrie Park reptile experience at Livingstone Shire Libraries.
- First 5 Forever 10th Birthday Celebrations – With over 100 attendees this was another highlight this year. Livingstone Libraries held an outside event, featuring a photographic timeline garland of sessions we have had over the past 10 years. The event featured multiple sensory stations, from water play, to kinetic sand, to handprint painting, to ball pits. Children were treated to face painting, balloon art, free books and of course First 5 Forever 10 year celebratory cupcakes!
First 5 Forever 10th birthday celebrations at Livingstone Shire Libraries.
- Other Highlights
- NAIDOC Week Storytime with the Aunties and a special didgeridoo performance by a nephew.
NAIDOC Week Storytime at Livingstone Shire Libraries.
- Spring Safe Storytime in partnership with ALIA and Kids Alive Do the Five featuring a local lifeguard
Spring Safe Storytime at Livingstone Shire Libraries.
- Nature Book Week Storytime with visits from Councils Nursery featuring giveaway native plants
First 5 Forever Nature Book Week at Livingstone Shire Libraries.
- Book Week our Children’s Services officer created an underwater sensory space, with sounds, textures and muted colours. Word quickly spread about the new space and community members stopped by just to walk through and experience the underwater tunnel feature in our children’s area!
Book Week at Livingstone Shire Libraries (Yeppoon).
Other Programing and Events
- Books and Bubbles Author Events – Since June, our libraries have welcomed a wonderful lineup of authors including Amy Andrews, Fiona Tarr and Annie Seaton, along with local authors Peter Wilson (My Journey with Dyslexia) and Amanda Rickard (The Teahouse). Our Books and Bubbles and Books and Brunch events have quickly become community favourites. Attendance has grown from around 50 guests to 80, reflecting a strong and growing appetite for literary events across Livingstone. We’re excited to see this much-loved program continue to grow and connect readers and writers alike in 2026!
Livingstone Libraries Biggest Morning Tea at the Emu Park Cultural Hall – This much-loved event has been a highlight for years and it’s only grown bigger and better. Having outgrown the Emu Park Library, Livingstone Libraries Biggest Morning Tea now takes pride of place in the Emu Park Cultural Hall. It’s truly a team effort, with library staff pouring in their time, energy and plenty of heart to bake and run the event.
This year’s BMT was our biggest yet, drawing a crowd of more than 100 attendees and raising just under $2,000. The morning was filled with fun from silent auctions, raffles and trivia to a spread of homemade treats. Crafty community members knitted colourful tea cosies, jewellers donated prizes and a few lucky guests took home some “How Do You Library” bags. Loved by the community and run by a library team equally loved, BMT continues to show community spirit for a cause. The team is already cooking up ideas for 2026!
HOW DO YOU LIBRARY campaign –WOW! What a successful campaign. Livingstone took the campaign and ran with it, literally out the doors and out into the community for outreach. We set up stalls everywhere to spread the ‘How Do You Library’ campaign. We went from aged care events to Welcome Baby ceremonies, from school visits to Cancer Council Biggest Morning Teas, local markets, youth programs and University Career Expos. Due to its success Livivngstone were asked to travel down to the LGx conference this month and spoke about their HOW DO YOU LIBRARY campaign.
Quarterly results from Livingstone Shire Libraries How do You Library campaign.
Be Connected outreach –Livingstone Library staff headed to the outer regions of our shire to give tech help as per the Be Connected Grant Funding guidelines. Two man teams led by our Digital Inclusion Officer, Taryn Cossens, headed 120kms west to service the Marlborough Community and south to Keppel Sands. Please read letter below from one of our happy Be Connected attendees addressed to the Mayor:
mackay
25 Years of Recognition commemorated
The Mackay and District Australian South Sea Islander Association created a powerful display to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Queensland Government’s formal recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group. The community was invited to visit Dudley Denny City Library during September to view the display, a reflection of the strength, perseverance, and enduring legacy of the ancestors and their descendants who continue to flourish today.
Shining a spotlight on magazine and newspaper collections
During September, MRC libraries shone a spotlight on the incredible range of digital and print magazines and newspapers available to library members. The promotional focus resulted in an 18.76 per cent increase in usage in both physical and digital magazine collections and a greater awareness of the collections across the community.
World languages in the spotlight at libraries
Throughout October, MRC libraries celebrated the richness of the World Languages collection, provided by the State Library of Queensland. The campaign also showcased a range of digital platforms available to members, supporting both multilingual communities and language learners. This initiative aligned with Mackay Regional Council’s Global Grooves celebration, creating a valuable opportunity for cross-promotion and cultural engagement.
Social Coffee initiative toasted with free brews
In partnership with the Queensland Police Service, Social Coffee sessions were hosted across three library branches in Mackay. These welcoming gatherings offered free coffee and friendly conversation, fostering connection and inclusion, particularly for community members experiencing isolation.
Get Online Week marked in Mackay
Libraries actively participated in Get Online Week, championing digital inclusion with the message: “Let’s make sure everyone’s part of our digital future.” The campaign highlighted free access to computers and Wi-Fi, reinforcing libraries’ role as essential digital hubs.
Top 100 books of the 21st century celebrated
MRC Libraries embraced ABC Radio National’s announcement of the Top 100 Books of the 21st Century by promoting the featured titles. This literary showcase invited readers to explore contemporary classics and celebrate the power of storytelling.
Libraries’ annual Book Week draws 600-plus
The annual Book Week celebrations at Mackay Regional Council Libraries proved a resounding success, attracting more than 600 attendees across a vibrant week of activities.
The program featured a variety of engaging sessions tailored to children aged up to five, culminating in the much-loved Picnic in the Gardens event.
Held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, the event brought stories to life whilst local children’s service providers added to the colour and fun of the morning.
This year’s celebrations not only highlighted Libraries’ commitment to early literacy and community engagement but also showcased the power of storytelling to spark imagination and bring families together in a joyful, inclusive setting.
Evolving needs of regional libraries discussed
The Greater Whitsunday Alliance Crescendo event brought together library leaders and system partners in Mackay for a collaborative discussion on the evolving needs of regional libraries.
The event was a structured forum designed to connect system development with real-world library needs.
Using a panel-based Q&A format, discussions centred on boosting efficiency, sharing resources across councils, and making better use of software, hardware, and collections.
whitsunday
School Holiday Program
Our school holiday program continued to attract strong attendance across all branches, offering families a lively mix of creative, hands-on and educational activities.
NAIDOC Week brought wonderful energy to the region, with Bowen hosting a themed Storytime and Proserpine welcoming Uncle Leo Gabey. His visit was a highlight for many children, who learned about caring for turtles and explored real taxidermy specimens up close.
Each branch also hosted First Aid for Kids sessions. These were extremely popular, and parents shared fantastic feedback, many requesting that we run future sessions due to the confidence and practical skills their children gained.
October also began with the conclusion of the school holiday activities, featuring teen and children’s beaded lizard workshops and sticker-by-number art that encouraged families to create together. Families also enjoyed rock painting, paper-flower making and sensory play, with strong engagement and positive feedback across all branches. School holidays remain one of our busiest periods, and this quarter was no exception.
First 5 Forever
Bowen celebrated SES Week with an energetic and interactive Storytime. SES volunteers joined in with songs and stories, and families loved meeting Paddy the Platypus and climbing into the SES buggy.
Dental Health Week was another standout event. Dr Renee shared The Big Book of Teeth and guided children through an engaging dental health activity. The giant model teeth were a huge hit, and children enjoyed practising brushing with the oversized toothbrush.
This year marked 10 years of First 5 Forever across Queensland, and our branches celebrated with joyful, birthday themed sessions. Families took part in lively activities that highlighted the core themes of talking, reading, singing and playing. Each child took home a special gift that matched these themes. Depending on their age, they received a book, an egg shaker, a bubble wand or a scarf, along with information about the First 5 Forever program.
Halloween-themed programs were also held across all branches. Bowen Library once again joined the Locals 4 Locals Town Halloween Trick or Treat event on 30 October, attracting an incredible 943 visitors in three hours. Families enjoyed the interactive displays, and staff dressed as a knight, maiden and dragon. BorrowBox bookmarks and StoryBox stickers encouraged conversations about the library’s digital offerings, and many attendees noted that this was their first visit and that they would be returning.
Adult Activities
Adults enjoyed a varied and engaging program this quarter. The Wildlife Whitsundays Snake Safety Program drew strong attendance across all branches. Participants learned how to identify local snakes, reduce the risk of encounters and respond safely to bites. The live demonstration with non-venomous snakes was especially memorable.
We also welcomed authors Sara Powter and Marion Weatherburn. Both shared valuable insights into their writing journeys and creative processes, and their sessions sparked thoughtful conversation.
Creative workshops continued to be popular, including Picasso-themed sessions and scratch art activities that encouraged adults to try new techniques in a relaxed and social setting.
Commonwealth Bank Staying Safe Online sessions were delivered in Proserpine, Cannonvale and Bowen, with Collinsville scheduled next. These sessions provided practical advice on identifying scams, creating safe passwords, protecting personal information and understanding the difference between scams and fraud.
Social Seniors Whitsundays
Coffee and Chat sessions continue to grow, with increasing attendance in both Proserpine and Bowen. Cannonvale launched its first session on 13 August and has already attracted positive interest from residents. These informal gatherings remain an important touchpoint for connection, conversation and community support. To help raise awareness, a short promotional video featuring regular attendees was released on the Council’s Facebook page and received strong engagement.
October marked our celebration of Senior’s Month, with a vibrant program across the region. Energy4Seniors sessions, delivered by COTA, were well attended and offered practical advice on energy use, electricity bills and accessing rebates and concessions.
On Ageism Awareness Day, libraries hosted a Self-Care Across the Ages workshop that focused on mental wellbeing and self-care, supported by an Anti-Ageism Tree pledge activity and a self-led watercolour station.
Special Coffee, Chat and Share sessions invited participants to bring an item or photograph of personal significance and share its history. These sessions created a warm atmosphere of storytelling and intergenerational connection. Bowen followed its session with a papercraft journal-making workshop facilitated by local artist Juni Desiree.
The A Stitch in Time textile memory-book project commenced in Bowen, where seniors began creating their own textile artworks that tell personal stories through visual design. Workshops are led by textile artist Pam Finlay. The completed works will be exhibited across the libraries in the new year, with filming underway to document the creative process.
Our first Writers’ Circle session was held in Proserpine on 27 October. This intergenerational group is designed to support local writers through idea sharing, skill development and creative storytelling. Early interest includes memoir writing and exploring publishing opportunities.
Libraries also participated in the Seniors Mini-Expo at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, promoting programs and services for older residents.
Additional Items
Proserpine Library launched an Aged Care Reform Information Hub, offering accessible resources to help older residents understand the national reforms. Staff are available for support on Mondays from 9am to 2pm.
Cannonvale Library hosted an exhibition in recognition of Indigenous Business Month, showcasing a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks including paintings, weaving and silk pieces. Organised by Felicity Chapman of Deadly Weavers, the display was very well received and added a vibrant cultural presence to the space.
This quarter also marked the second year of the Sustainable Sculpture Awards, which attracted 17 entrants. The competition continues to grow in interest and showcases the community’s creativity and commitment to sustainability. Judging for the awards involved a public voting stage, with one People’s Choice winner selected in each category. These three category winners are then blind judged by Mayor Ry Collins.
Leadership Spotlight
QPLA/SLQ Library Leaders Cohort, 2025.
Alicia Mulcahy, Team Leader at Proserpine Library, has been selected for the State Library of Queensland and QPLA Library Leaders Program. Over the next eight months she will take part in mentoring, industry events and leadership development activities that will support innovation across Whitsunday Regional Libraries. As part of the program, Alicia will lead a youth engagement project titled Our Library, Our Space. This project will focus on strengthening youth voice, improving belonging for young people in our libraries and piloting new youth-centred programs across the region.