Rocky library project named best in Queensland

Published on 26 October 2017

The Queensland Public Libraries Association has presented Rockhampton Regional Library with a top prize and $1,000 at their annual recognition ceremony on the Sunshine Coast last week. The Local Government Authority Award, which recognises outstanding community service, was awarded for the CapriCon Steampunk and Pop Culture convention which took place earlier this year during Youth Week.

Over 6,500 people came to the Rockhampton Regional Library and civic precinct to take part in the Convention, with a huge range of free activities which delighted people of all ages. Community groups including the Tabletop Gamers, Alliance of Regional Costumers, CQ Steampunk Rockhampton, Capricornia Medieval Guild, CQ Pirates of Plunder, CQ Ghostbusters, STRUM, and Capricorn Dollhouse Miniatures all took part as well as a balloon artist, a face painter, and the cinema.

Chair of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Rose Swadling, said she was thrilled at the award.

“I could not be more proud of our library staff, in particular our Libraries Supervisor Naomi Brownless, for putting on a project which has been recognised as the best in the State.

“One of the greatest things about it was the way people and organisations across the community came together to celebrate this during the flood clean-up effort. 12 CapriCon volunteers, 21 extra library and Council staff, 26 community groups and 15 businesses all contributed to the success of the event.

“Our libraries really are special – anyone across our Region who hasn’t visited them recently should definitely make a plan to.”

Libraries Supervisor Naomi Brownless said they were already planning for next year’s convention.

“It was a brilliant event, offering an opportunity for creative and expressive cosplay with an array of imaginative and colourful characters.

“We started the plan for the 2018 event as soon as this one finished: our goal is to position the Rockhampton Regional Council Library Service CapriCon as a major tourist event in the CQ calendar, and this award should really help with that.”