The Annual ALIA Queensland Mini-Conference, held last Friday 14 November, played host to an award ceremony recognising outstanding achievements of the Queensland library community. Nominees and their peers from right across the state gather on lands of the Turrbal people at the State Library of Queensland’s The Edge.
Jessica Coates, ALIA’s new Director of Policy, Education and Research, presented the ALIA membership honours, while the outgoing President of ALIA Queensland, Tony Courtenay, presented the Queensland Library Achiever of the Year Award 2025 to Dr Helen Weston, Head of Library at The Rockhampton Grammar School.
Unfortunately, Helen was unable to attend the event to collect her award, but the applause from the attendees was just as hearty.
Photo (l-r): Janine Schmidt AM FALIA (60-year member), Jessica Coates (ALIA Director Policy, Education & Research), Nicole Hunt AALIA (Silver Pin), Sharon Benstead AALIA (30-year member)
Dr Helen Weston: Queensland Library Achiever of the Year Award 2025
Congratulations to Dr Helen Weston, the winner of the 30th Queensland Library Achiever of the Year Award. Helen is Head of Library at The Rockhampton Grammar School and serves as the Convenor of ALIA Schools. In these roles she has led pioneering work in establishing “Citizen Science Corners” in school libraries and supported the broader roll-out of the concept to school and public libraries nationally.
Congratulations are extended to all the nominees – Jill Rogers the Digital Collections Librarian at Queensland University Technology for founding the ALIA Digitisation and Preservation Group and her contributions to the GLAM sector; and Jessica Lewis, Librarian at Marymount College. Jessica received special commendation for her innovative strategies which have not only increased borrowing rates but also fostered a culture of curiosity and enjoyment among students.
Nicole Hunt: Silver Pin
Nicole has been a passionate advocate for ALIA and its mission to support and elevate library professionals. Her commitment is reflected in her consistent efforts to promote professional development, sector engagement, and excellence in library services. Nicole has held numerous leadership roles within ALIA and affiliated bodies, fulfilling and exceeding the criteria for the ALIA Silver Pin through sustained service and transformative contributions. Her work has elevated the role of libraries in civic life, championed the wellbeing of library staff, and inspired the next generation of professionals. Nicole’s contributions span local, state, and national levels, and her impact continues to shape the future of public libraries across Queensland and beyond.
Janine Schmidt AM FALIA: 60-Year Membership Pin
Janine Schmidt is the Trenholme Director of Libraries Emerita at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and Director, Mukurta Solutions, Brisbane, Australia. She undertakes voluntary professional and community activities. Former roles include Series Editor of the De Gruyter Saur/IFLA Publications Series; Trenholme Director of Libraries, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; University Librarian, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Director, Collection Services, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Senior Lecturer, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Technology Sydney, Australia. Janine has participated extensively in the activities of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). She was awarded the IFLA Medal in 2023, membership of the Order of Australia in 2013 for services to libraries and information technology, and an ALIA Fellowship in 2004. Janine remains passionate about the role of information and libraries in transforming people’s lives, and in the achievement of sustainable development goals in a disrupted society and regards collaborative activity as essential to future success.
Jane Orbell-Smith AALIA: 30-Year Membership Pin and ALIA FELLOWSHIP
Jane Orbell-Smith has been recognised as a Fellow of the Association for her distinguished and sustained contribution to health librarianship in Australia. For more than twenty-five years, Jane has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her long-standing service to ALIA and Health Libraries Australia, including roles as HLA National Manager, Chair of the Editorial Board, and member of multiple awards committees.
She has strengthened the profession through conference leadership, mentoring, and founding the HLA Community-of-Practice model, notably as inaugural Convenor of the Solo Health Librarians group. Her career across Queensland health libraries is marked by innovation, exemplary management, and strong advocacy for evidence-based practice.Jane’s extensive publications, presentations, and research contributions have elevated the visibility of health librarianship nationally and internationally.
Widely respected by colleagues and clinicians alike, she is known for her thoughtful leadership and collaborative spirit. Her influence continues to shape the profession and support the next generation of health library professionals. Her work has created meaningful avenues for connection among health librarians across Australia, particularly those in solo or remote roles. She remains a trusted voice in the sector, recognised for her steady guidance and commitment to excellence.
Sharon Benstead AALIA: 30-Year Membership Pin
With over 30 years of experience in the library sector across Queensland and New South Wales, Sharon currently serves as the Library Branch Services Coordinator at Ipswich Libraries. Her career spans public, TAFE, special, and academic libraries, reflecting a deep commitment to inclusive and innovative library services. Sharon holds dual qualifications as both a Library Technician and a Librarian, bringing a comprehensive perspective to library operations and community engagement. Prior to having a child, she was actively involved with the ALIA Queensland Library Technicians Group and served as a member of the conference committee for the New Librarians Symposium in 2008. Sharon was also honoured to receive the Dunn & Wilson Scholarship in 2005, which supported her professional development in the library and information sector. Sharon continues to contribute to the profession through mentoring, having participated in the ALIA Mentoring Scheme as a mentor in 2023–24 and 2024–25, and currently as part of the ALIA/QPLA Mentoring Scheme for 2025–26.