QPLA LEaD Conference 2025 Bursary Report – CQ Region

Report prepared by Alleah Mayne, Central Highlands Regional Council

Introduction
I’m so grateful to have received one of the four QPLA bursaries. Attending the
Queensland Public Library Association Conference was an amazing experience and
surpassed all my expectations. It brought together librarians, Indigenous Knowledge
Centres, and information professionals from across Queensland. The conference
was a fantastic opportunity for professional development, networking, and getting
exposed to new and exciting projects in the library world.

Networking Opportunities
The conference offered a great chance to meet and connect with colleagues who
share similar interests and face similar challenges. It created an environment where
meaningful connections were made throughout the library sector. I got to interact
with library professionals from all corners of Queensland – from small regional
libraries to big city institutions. It was a perfect chance to exchange ideas, share best
practices, and even think about potential future collaborations.

Informative Workshops
I really enjoyed the workshops, which were a chance to learn and also contribute my
own thoughts. The sessions were full of practical tips and advice on a range of topics
that are directly relevant to the challenges we face in our libraries. One of the
highlights was the anonymous surveys and experiences shared during these
workshops. They gave great feedback and suggestions that could easily be applied
to our own library services.

Key Speakers and Themes
The keynote speakers were fantastic and gave me lots to think about. Their
presentations focused on key issues currently facing libraries, with some especially
thought-provoking discussions on:
 Resilience and connection in library communities
 Addressing homelessness through library services
 The role of AI in libraries
These talks not only highlighted challenges but also offered practical ideas and
examples of how libraries are tackling these issues.

Industry Relevance
The conference was spot on in terms of addressing the real issues we’re facing in
the library industry right now. The chance to share experiences with peers and work
together on finding solutions was truly invaluable.

Inspirational Lightning Talks
The lightning talks were a real highlight of the conference. There were so many
innovative practices shared in quick, impactful sessions. Some that stood out were:

 Words Out West – Western Downs Libraries
 Diversifying the load of Library Programming – Mackay Regional Council
 Creating a Trail of Discovery for Cairns Library customers – Cairns Libraries
These lightning talks showed how libraries of all shapes and sizes are making a big
impact with creative and resourceful initiatives.

Library Tours
The tours of the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library at James Cook University and the
CityLibraries Riverway were super informative. It would have been great to spend
more time at these locations to dig even deeper into their operations and
innovations.
 Eddie Koiki Mabo Library: This tour highlighted an exciting partnership
between an academic library and art collections.
 CityLibraries Riverway: This brand-new facility had a great design that’s “fit for
purpose,” showcasing how modern library spaces can really enhance
community engagement.

Vendor Connections
The vendor exhibition was a great way to connect with companies that provide
library products and services. I had the chance to speak with vendors like Sound
Text Media, Solus, Brookhouse, Belinda, BFX, and ALIA. These connections
provided useful insights into new products and potential solutions that could be
beneficial for our library.

Conference Experience
The catering throughout the conference was top-notch with plenty of delicious food
options every day. The welcome dinner at the Beach Hotel was also a great chance
to relax and network with others in a more informal setting.

Most Valuable Takeaways
Here are my biggest takeaways from the conference:

1. Strengthened relationships with other Queensland libraries
2. New ideas and strategies to improve our services
3. Connections with vendors and industry specialists
4. Expanded professional network within Queensland’s library community
   Conclusion
   A huge thank you to QPLA for providing this amazing professional development
   opportunity for CHRC Libraries. The conference gave me so much insight,
   inspiration, and new connections, all of which align perfectly with our strategic goals.

The knowledge and connections I gained will definitely help inform our future
projects and may even lead to some exciting collaborations with other libraries.
Acting Senior Library Officer,
Alleah Mayne
Central Highlands Regional Council libraries