North Qld Regional Rep Prin Stroppe has been catching up on the latest activities from across the northern region.
CASSOWARY COAST Regional Libraries
The Coming Of The White Birds Marks 60 Years of Conservation and Community Spirit
A milestone celebration took place at Cardwell Library on Friday 31 October, marking sixty years since the beginning of one of Australia’s longest-running bird counts. Titled The Coming of the White Birds, based on the documentary by the same name, the event honoured the extraordinary conservation legacy of Arthur and Margaret Thorsborne and the many volunteers who have continued their work along the North Queensland coast.
More than 150 people of all ages gathered to commemorate the Thorsbornes’ pioneering citizen science project, which has played a crucial role in protecting the Pied Imperial Pigeon and preserving its natural habitat. The Cassowary Coast Regional Council hosted the event, with Councillor Trudy Tschui MCing the morning and recognising both the ongoing work of the Thorsborne Trust and the collective dedication of local conservationists, artists, and community members.
The celebration featured presentations from guest speakers Liz Downes, Daryl Dickson, Dr John Winter, and Damon Sydes; an art exhibition by the artists of the Hinchinbrook Regional Art Association Inc.; and an imaginative installation of Margaret’s White Birds created by community members of all ages across the Cassowary Coast. Guests learned about the origins of the count and the remarkable science and conservation outcomes achieved over six decades of monitoring. The highlight of the morning was the unveiling of a portrait of Margaret Thorsborne by artist Catherine Bone, a gift to Council that pays tribute to Margaret’s lifelong commitment to the environment.
In the lead-up to the event, libraries in Innisfail, Tully, and Mission Beach delivered creative community workshops where children, adults, and seniors crafted paper pigeons for the final installation in Cardwell Library. These sessions supported intergenerational participation and helped introduce new audiences to the story behind the count, with more than one-third of attendees at the main event visiting a library program for the first time.
The program was delivered as part of ALIA’s Community Cohesion Program, supported by the Office for Social Cohesion. Funding enabled the library service to host inclusive activities that strengthened community connection, provided social engagement opportunities for people at risk of isolation, and celebrated a story deeply rooted in the region’s identity.
Guests also enjoyed a screening of The Coming of the White Birds documentary and a morning tea hosted by the Cassowary Coast Library and Museum Services team, whose careful planning and facilitation helped make the event a wonderful success. It was a fitting tribute to sixty years of citizen science and community spirit in Cardwell, with plans in place for the count to continue for many years to come.
MAREEBA LIBRARIES
Mareeba Library Marks Library Lovers’ Day with Relocation Retrospective
On 13 February, Mareeba Library commemorated Library Lovers’ Day with a morning tea and a curated film showcase, reflecting on the library’s relocation journey, now 4½ years on.
The short film highlighted the library’s transition to the Bowls Club building in August 2021, detailing the process from initial planning through to the successful completion of the relocation. The program also featured a visual presentation highlighting the diverse range of programs delivered in the new library spaces over the past four and a half years.
The event was attended by library patrons, Councillors, and members of Council’s Executive Team who had been involved in the relocation project, from its inception to final implementation. Guests expressed appreciation for the upgraded facilities and the expanded library services, which now enable Mareeba Library to engage with a broader cross-section of the local community.
This year’s Library Lovers’ Day event forms part of Mareeba Library’s six Social Cohesion programs, a national initiative funded and supported by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Department of Home Affairs’ Office of Social Cohesion.
MOUNT ISA CITY LIBRARY
Mount Isa Conversation
Mount Isa City is celebrating its birthday on 23 February 2026. This year is 103 years of Mount Isa City. Mount Isa was established in 1923 following prospector John Campbell Miles’ discovery of rich silver-lead ore in Queensland’s northwest.
To celebrate the occasion, Mount Isa City Library is hosting an event called “Mount Isa Conversations” featuring Kim-Maree Burton. This conversation will explore questions about the city’s history, the origin of the suburb’s name, and share numerous stories about old buildings and significant events that have taken place in Mount Isa.
Kim-Maree Burton is a well-known figure in the Mount Isa community. She is an author, host, presenter, and marketing professional. Having been born and raised in Mount Isa, she has a strong connection to the town, which influences her writing and storytelling. Burton often writes about the town’s rich history. Her book, “Whispers Through the Spinifex: Memories of Mount Isa in the Making,” includes articles she wrote for the North West Star newspaper. Her passion for Mount Isa and her careful research makes her a great resource for those interested in the town’s history and culture.
Local residents attended a historical talk with Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae and former mayor Tony McGrady.
TOWNSVILLE CITYLIBRARIES
Citylibraries Riverway Welcomed Big Holiday Crowds
Citylibraries Riverway was a popular destination over the Christmas break, offering a cool, welcoming space during the very wet weather, operating reduced hours during the traditional Christmas closure period. Families and community members made great use of the free resources, public computers, Wi‑Fi, and relaxed atmosphere.
A big thank‑you goes to the dedicated staff who volunteered to work across the period, ensuring Townsville locals could continue to enjoy library services when they needed them most.
While opening days varied between years, visitation was clearly higher this season. Riverway averaged 444 visitors per day in 2025, compared with 352 per day in 2024. The first day of normal hours on 5 January was also busier than the same day last year, even after three earlier open days.
Citylibraries Riverway continues to be a valued community hub—rain or shine.
Citylibraries Creative Hub 24/7 Pilot
In late 2025, a select group of trusted users were invited to trial a new online safety induction process. Once completed, this induction will enable them to book the Riverway Creative Hubs spaces—including the MixHaus Makerspace and two Digital Recording Studios—during unstaffed hours, effectively providing 24/7 access to these unique facilities.
This pilot marks a significant milestone, delivering on a strategic intent first envisioned during the Riverway Arts Centre redesign in 2022. It represents a truly collaborative effort between Library Services, Council’s Property Services and Health & Safety teams, along with renovation contractors, and external suppliers.
Dino Den
Last August, the Dinosaur Den was launched at Citylibraries Riverway during the biennial STEM Faire event. The Dinosaur Den was installed in The Canvas space with informative decals and a range of play resources. The Canvas is a library space for Townsville Citylibraries to offer the community targeted experiences that are unexpected, spark imagination and foster curiosity.
The Dinosaur Den generated the perfect opportunity for children and families to unleash their inner palaeontologist. Kids (and grown-up kids!) can build their own dinosaurs, solve prehistoric puzzles, play roar-some games and dive into dino-mite books in this drop in adventure zone.
Community response has been strong with many families returning on a regular basis exploring the loose parts play and immersing themselves in the dino vibe.
Positive outcomes have been:
- Increased foot traffic
- Increased loans of Dinosaur themed collection
- Increased customer satisfaction
- Increased social media interaction
- Increased positive staff and customer interactions
As a result of the positive engagement the Dino Den has been extended for an extra six months providing additional time for the community to participant in this raw-some space.
Crafting a Difference – MOAD Changemaker’s Exhibition
Citylibraries Aitkenvale was proud to host Crafting a Difference, which opened on Friday 31 October as part of the touring Changemakers exhibition, one of the Social Cohesion programs, a national initiative funded and supported by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Department of Home Affairs’ Office of Social Cohesion in partnership with MoAD. The exhibition showcased a vibrant collection of feminist banners created by craftivist and activist Dr Tal Fitzpatrick, inspired by the iconic protest banners permanently displayed at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) in Canberra.
The Changemakers exhibition has been touring regionally from 2024–2027, visiting more than 15 locations and sparking conversations about community action, empowerment, and social change.
In November, Tal Fitzpatrick led two hands‑on craftivism workshops, inviting community members to explore how creative expression can raise awareness, inspire dialogue, and bring people together. Participants enjoyed a morning of hand‑stitching, connection, and collaboration, guided by Tal and MoAD staff as they contributed to textile banners inspired by the original Changemakers works.
Originally developed to coincide with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender‑Based Violence, Changemakers encourages visitors to engage with craftivism while learning about initiatives—such as economic empowerment—that help prevent violence against women. The exhibition was developed by the Museum of Australian Democracy and proudly supported by CommBank Next Chapter, a program dedicated to helping survivors of financial abuse build long‑term financial independence.
Staff Training – LifeLine Accidental Counsellor Training
All Townsville Citylibraries staff recently participated in a full day of professional development featuring LifeLine’s Accidental Counsellor Training. The session strengthened the team’s ability to respond calmly, confidently, and compassionately when customers are distressed or seeking support. It also equipped staff with practical de‑escalation strategies, helping everyone manage tense or emotionally charged interactions in a safe, respectful, and positive way.
School Holiday Program
Townsville Citylibraries enjoyed a vibrant Dec/Jan school holiday season, with families embracing craft, games, movie matinees, scavenger hunts and our hugely popular new Sunday Storytime at Flinders. Highlights included author workshops with Dave Lowe — the Brisbane‑based children’s writer who penned an episode of Bluey. Across December and January, these engaging programs brought over 1664 young people into our branches for fun, creativity and learning.
Cheers to the Years -Townsville City Council Staff Recognition of Service
Twelve library staff attended the inaugural Townsville City Council Cheers to the Years lunch, an event that will now be celebrated annually. Together, these team members represent just under one quarter of our workforce and an incredible 296 years of collective service. This milestone is a powerful reminder of what a great place our library service is to work, and it highlights the dedication, commitment, and value our staff bring to the community every day.