SW Qld Regional Rep Melanie Mills has been catching up on the latest activities from across the south-west region.
Balonne
The highlight for the Balonne Libraries has definitely been the second instalment of Storyfest South West. The children’s writers’ festival included a range of activities such as workshops, author presentations, panel and dinner sessions, and informal community gatherings for children and adults to allow locals to interact with prominent authors and foster connections through storytelling. This year’s event also showcased another highly successful community art display – The Ocean Project – as a nod to presenter Pip Harry’s book ‘The Little Wave’. It involved hundreds of students from across our shire hand decorating their own timber fish to add to the artwork of one of our very talented local artists.
…And who doesn’t love a pop-up book shop?!

Goondiwindi
Over the past few months, Goondiwindi Regional Libraries have been buzzing with activity, offering something for everyone. From our popular ongoing programs like First 5 Forever and Book Lovers, to special Seniors Month events such as Cyber Security workshops and Chair Yoga sessions, there’s been no shortage of exciting opportunities. We also hosted a variety of engaging school holiday programs, ensuring families stayed entertained and inspired. Across all our branches, September and October were packed with unique events designed to celebrate our wonderful community and provide new learning experiences for all.

Western Downs
Western Downs delivered the Dalby Under 6’s day with over 300 children attend. Dalby Under 6’s Day celebrates the importance of early childhood development by offering children aged 0–6 the chance to learn, play, and grow in a supportive community environment. The event connects families with local service providers, including schools, speech pathologists, and NDIS providers, while promoting quality experiences for young children.
