For the second year in a row Ipswich Libraries has been awarded for its outstanding excellence in innovation alongside key revitalisation projects; a community shaping Ipswich Central Partnership and the Façade Improvement program.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said it was a wonderful achievement at the recent Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) Queensland Excellence Awards.
“We are thrilled that the team’s innovation with Australia’s only dedicated stand-alone children’s library has been recognised and is a great realisation of council’s vision to deliver innovative services to the community,” Cr Fechner said.
“The Ipswich Children’s Library is a unique space, providing interactive and engaging learning opportunities for young people and offering a library experience unlike any other.
“Ipswich Children’s Library is a purpose-designed space and one of the central features of the revitalised Nicholas Street Precinct.
“Ipswich residents are the real winners as a revitalised Ipswich Central brings business and vibrancy back to the Ipswich CBD.”
Luca Pole and Finnegan Pole with the Ipswich Children’s Library’s dinosaurs.
Councillor Fechner said the LGMA Queensland Awards for Excellence acknowledged and celebrated the best of local government initiatives across Queensland.
“Council is thrilled to be recognised in these prestigious awards,” Cr Fechner said.
“In 2021 Ipswich Libraries also went on to win the next level – the LG Professionals Australia National Award for Innovative Management Initiative.
“We support the talented team at Ipswich Libraries as they again compete on the national stage and know that they already bring pride to our wonderful city.”
Two other council initiatives were also finalists in the 2022 LGMA Queensland Excellence Awards
- Ipswich Central Partnership – finalist for ‘community shaping’ category
- Façade Improvement Program – finalist for ‘teamwork’ category
Cr Doyle and Cr Fechner in 2021 admiring the completed façade upgrade at Ipswich’s very own 50s styled Retro Diner, with a new lightbox and colour-scheme to match the look on Brisbane Street.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said a prosperous and vibrant city needs a strong heart and the work that council has been doing with the community is creating the right environment to attract investment in Ipswich Central.
“The Ipswich Central Partnership has bought the community together to achieve a common goal, revitalising Ipswich Central,” Cr Doyle said.
“Initiatives such as the Bell St Working Bee, the Bell St Living Gallery and the Pup-Up Dog Park have all taken place thanks to the drive and passion of the local residents and business owners who form the Partnership.
“A significant transformation of Ipswich Central is well underway and the Façade Improvement Program and Ipswich Central Partnership put locals at the heart of the precinct’s revitalisation.
“This is not about council ‘doing’ things for community, rather these projects demonstrate the power of true collaborative partnerships between community and council to drive economic and social outcomes.
“Ipswich Central is a place of significant heritage, commercial and community value, that plays an important cultural and civic role within the region.”
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