The ALIA Victoria Group received an outstanding range of nominations for the Victorian Library and Information Award (VLIA) , showcasing the diverse, innovative and impactful work taking place across the LIS sector.
This year's shortlisted nominees represent the very best of the Victorian library and information profession, demonstrating excellence in leadership, community engagement and meaningful connections with the communities they serve.
The judging panel, comprising last year’s VLIA winner, Pru Mitchell, alongside Nina Whittaker, Anne Girolami and Dr Mary Carroll, deliberated extensively before shortlisting these three outstanding library and information professionals.
From the judges:
“We're really pleased to see the range of library types and librarians represented at this year's awards. Our finalists shine a spotlight on the dedicated work libraries do to ensure the success of their institutions, from school and TAFE libraries through to special collections. The high quality of applications submitted this year shows the strength, connection and many achievements of the Victorian library sector this past year”
The Award winner will be announced at the ALIA Vic: Book Week Soirée on Friday 28th August, at the beautiful narrm ngarrgu Library (thanks to City of Melbourne Libraries). The winner will be presented with the VLIA perpetual trophy, created by woodcarver Olivia O’Connor as well as a year’s ALIA membership or training voucher.
Book your attendance now – refreshments will be provided thanks to the generous sponsorship of James Bennett and Swinburne University of Technology. As well as the award presentation, drinks and canapés, guests are encouraged to come dressed as a book character to celebrate Children’s Book Week! Costume competition prizes generously donated by Lamont Books.
Congratulations go to the VLIA shortlisted nominees:
JAMES BAKER AALIA (DCP) - Melbourne Athenaeum Library
As Secretary of the ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics committee, James has promoted the value, diversity and legitimacy of comics and graphic novels in libraries. He has also served on the committee of the Melbourne Alternative Komics Expo, ensuring libraries play a central role in celebrating diverse creators and emerging voices.
James was instrumental in developing two graphic novel events for Melbourne Rare Book Week, bringing Australian creators into major library venues and showcasing graphic novels as powerful tools for social, historical and personal storytelling.
James has played a key leadership role on the Mechanics’ Institute Australia Bicentenary 2027 Committee, organising venues, keynote speakers, conference planning, and the project website. He has also contributed to ALIA’s Freedom to Read Group, helping initiate policy work in response to emerging censorship issues affecting library collections.
Across committees, conferences and advocacy initiatives, James consistently demonstrates vision, collaboration and a deep commitment to strengthening libraries, championing inclusion and supporting underrepresented voices.
JOEY CHUNG AALIA (CP) – Holmesglen Institute
Joey Chung has demonstrated outstanding leadership in library and information services through innovation, collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement.
As a TAFE Website and Systems Librarian, she has delivered multiple library initiatives while navigating the challenges of the sector and building a career in Australia as a non-native English speaker. Beyond her workplace, Joey volunteers as Website Coordinator for the ALIA Multicultural Group and leads the Trove Lists project, which promotes translated versions of Australian literature.
Her work is driven by inclusivity and a commitment to elevating others through collaboration, including partnerships with academic Alice Chik (Macquarie University), AusLit, and Amy Rake from the ALIA Disability Group. Joey embodies intellectual generosity.
Recognised with Holmesglen’s 2023 ASPIRE Award, Joey continues to inspire the profession through conference presentations, ALIA webinars, and mentoring activities, encouraging greater diversity and belonging in librarianship. Her generosity, resilience, and dedication to making the profession more inclusive have made a lasting contribution to the Australian LIS sector.
HELEN FARCH ALIATec (CP) - Forest Hill College Library
Helen has served at Forest Hill College Library for nearly 13 years, transforming the library into a vibrant, engaging hub for students and staff. Through her resourcefulness and determination, she has secured grants to fund author visits and collection development initiatives that have strengthened the library and inspired other schools.
Her highly successful Instagram account, @fhclibrary, with nearly 17,000 followers, has raised the profile of her library while championing school libraries, reading, and the importance of professionally staffed library services.
Helen is a regular participant in author events, book launches, is regularly interview on podcasts about her school library, and has presented webinars and at conferences for ALIA, SLAV and ASLA about a variety of topics, such as maximising limited budgets and using Instagram to advocate for school libraries.
Widely respected for her generosity, expertise, and willingness to support colleagues, Helen has made an outstanding contribution to the school library sector and the library profession. She is an inspiring advocate, mentor, and leader whose impact extends well beyond her own school, making her an exceptionally deserving candidate for recognition.