“Great leadership isn’t defined by geography—it’s defined by passion, innovation, and the courage to make a difference in every community.”
The Library Leaders Program 2024-25 has concluded, marking a powerful chapter of professional growth and sector-wide innovation.
Jointly delivered by the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA), the program was designed to foster leadership talent across the state—from the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to Balonne Shire Council—demonstrating that impactful library leadership extends beyond geographical boundaries.
Thirteen emerging library professionals participated in a six-month leadership journey that combined targeted professional development, networking opportunities, and tailored mentorship. Each participant conceptualised and implemented a place-based library project that responded to the specific needs of their community.
The resulting initiatives were practical, forward-thinking, and grounded in empathy, highlighting the vital role libraries continue to play in shaping inclusive, informed, and resilient communities.
Projects were outlined at the beginning of the program and many have since evolved. The current project outcomes are listed below, with some still in progress and these will be updated a projects are completed. The program wrap up was presented at the QPLA LEaD Conference 2025.
If you are interested in hearing more or contacting a participant, please email secretary@qpla.asn.au and we’ll put you in touch.
| Library Leader | Library Service | Mentor | Project | Outcome |
| Jemima Eveans | Cairns Regional Council | Dr Sandy Houen | Implementing Trauma Approaches | -RLQ workshop (Cairns) presentation – no recording –Poster presentation at National Early Years Forum |
| Lauren Markwell | Noosa Council | Sally Mann | Library of Things | -Lunch Box Conversation booked for October (link coming soon) |
| Sarah May | Gold Coast City Council | Linda Barron | Managing psychosocial wellbeing for libraries | -Lunch Box Conversation booked for September (link coming soon) – |
| Sophia Ralph | Redland City Council | Anneke Barnes | Bereavement Support in Libraries | -PD workshop (date TBC) |
| Annie-Jo Vogler | Quilpie Shire Council | Jane Harding | Local studies and digitisation | -QPLA Q+A style presentation – no recording |
| Melanie Mills | Balonne Shire Council | Ellen Forsyth | Local studies and digitisation | -QPLA Q+A style presentation – no recording |
| Danielle Whatmore | Murweh Shire Council | Michaela Cronan | Story Walk Programming | -PL Connect blog post -RLQ Workshop (Blackall) presentation – no recording –Poster presentation at National Early Years Forum |
| Irene Baker | Toowoomba Regional Council | Rosalie Stafford | Literacy programs for early school years | -YPLG webinar presentation (recording here) -currently writing three papers (coming soon) |
| Lisa Bowkett | Redland City Council | Sylvia Swalling | Feasibility Study for a 24/7 library facility | -Lunch Box Conversation (date TBC) |
| Peta Browne | Bundaberg Regional Council | Kaley Schelks | Adult programming (non-technology) | -Blog to be written Oct/Nov 2025 -Lunch Box Conversation (date TBC) |
| Teresa Kohne | Sunshine Coast Regional Council | Lisa Harth | Change management process for new multilevel facility | -Lunch Box Conversation (date TBC) |
| Laura Doherty | Townsville City Council | Dr Jane Garner | Library outreach in prisons | -co-authoring academic journal article with mentor Dr Jane Garner (coming soon) |
| Charlotte Pearson | Torres Strait Island Regional Council | Serene Fernando | Digitisation of traditional language stories | -Blog (TBC) |
The Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA) extends heartfelt thanks to all mentors, the State Library of Queensland, program participants, and the councils who supported their involvement. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the State Library of Queensland to deliver future library leadership programs that foster growth, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.