Library Board of Queensland

Mrs Debbie Best (Chairperson)

Debbie has extensive executive leadership experience in the Queensland Government. This includes as Director-General, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs and other executive positions in water resource management (rural and urban), natural resource management, environment management, community engagement and education. Debbie has an extensive background in government boards and committees. She is Chair of Safe Food Production Queensland, the Electoral Commission of Queensland Audit and Risk Committee, and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.  Debbie has also held roles as the Chair of the Queensland Heritage Council, Director and Trustee of QSuper, Griffith University Council member, Murray-Darling Basin Commissioner and member of the Queensland State Award Committee for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Libraries play an enormous role in our communities. As an educator, I saw first hand their influence in captivating young people of all ages to engage in learning. In communities across Queensland, libraries play a focal point for social connection, continued learning, especially in the digital age, and access for all to a wealth of resources.

Emeritus Professor Tom Cochrane AM (Deputy Chairperson)

Tom Cochrane AM was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to library and information management, and to education through digital learning initiatives. He is currently an Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, working in the research field of intellectual property and Innovation, and the Deputy Chair of the Library Board of Queensland. Tom is also a Fellow of the Australian Library and Information Association, Director at the Australian Digital Alliance and a former Queensland Museum Board Member.

I have a lifelong deep connection with libraries, not only as a childhood user, but someone whose working life began in one. As institutions they express the achievements of humankind, culturally, historically, scientifically and creatively. As human society evolves and progresses, flourishing and effective libraries are great markers of that progress.

Ms Cheryl Buchanan

Cheryl is a proud Guwamu woman and lifetime campaigner for Aboriginal rights, and social and environmental justice.  She is a renowned publisher, playwright, author, speaker, director, teacher, lecturer and traditional dancer. Cheryl is a founder of well-known community organisations including Aboriginal Legal, Medical Services and Childcare Centre in Brisbane, Black Community School and Black Resource Centre, as well as Murrie Coo-ee (an Aboriginal publishing house).  She has also served as the first Aboriginal Commissioner with Queensland Corrective Services, and Chair of the Queensland and National Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees.  Cheryl is a former member of the Treaty Working Group, former co-Chair of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body, and currently Director of the Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations and Queensland Murray-Darling Catchments Limited and an executive member of the Indigenous Peoples Organisation.  In addition, Cheryl is a member of Queensland's Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry.  Cheryl has a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education (The University of Queensland) and a Graduate Diploma of Natural and Cultural Resource Management (Deakin University) . She has been awarded the Centenary Medal Commonwealth of Australia for Distinguished Services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Australia. 

Ms Kim Hughes

Kim Hughes has over 25 years executive, board and board advisory experience in the profit-for-purpose, public, private and government sectors across a range of industries including superannuation, life insurance, funds management, financial planning, health and arts. Kim is also Board member of Volunteering Australia and former Board member of Metro Arts. She has extensive board advisory experience providing trusted advice to the boards and sub-committees of the complex, highly regulated businesses of QSuper, QInsure, QInvest, Suncorp Superannuation, Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) and Energy Super. Kim holds a Business Degree and Diplomas in Superannuation and is a Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.

Mr Robert dhurwain McLellan

Robert is a proud Gureng Gureng descendant of the Wide Bay region, a community researcher, and an experienced Director, governance and engagement practitioner. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a chartered manager and fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders ANZ and conferred a Master of Business Administration with The University of Queensland (UQ) Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. Robert is currently appointed as an Industry Fellow of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science with the University of Queensland as well as Program Manager for the Language Data Commons of Australia (LDaCA), building national digital research infrastructure. His professional experience also extends to cultural studies with a focus on Indigenous languages, sociology, arts and communications. With dedication to the development and preservation of arts and cultural capabilities in the regions, he is also a member of the First Nations’ Arts and Cultures Panel, (FNACP) Arts Queensland. A strong advocate for truth telling and speaking up for Aboriginal people’s rights and justice, economic advancement, and to ensure First Nations voices are authentically valued and embraced across all levels of society, Robert is a leader who is passionate about building culturally inclusive, honourable, and cohesive communities.

Historically, early explorers, linguists, anthropologists, and other researchers have often collected Indigenous material and data in ways now considered unethical. Today, our collecting institutions are custodians of invaluable cultural heritage. While preserving these resources, they have the opportunity to revitalise collections, fostering positive social impact and community cohesion. In the most appropriate manner, such data should be findable, accessible (especially to those who need it), and repurposable.

Ms Nicola Padget

Nicola Padget is an experienced finance professional having held senior roles across the construction and mining sectors. Nicola is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of a prominent civil engineering and construction company and was previously a manager at KPMG within the Audit and Assurance division. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance), is a Chartered Accountant and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Thinking back on occasions visiting my local library, I recall a sense of safeness, comfort and calmness for valuable reflection and learning. For a child, a library can provide a pivotal early learning experience by introducing an appreciation for books and respectfulness for the belongings of others. Most importantly, libraries are the true preservers of history in a digital age where online content can often blur the truth from fiction.

Cr George Seymour

George Seymour is the Mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council.  In this role he has worked to expand the cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities available for all members of the community. He has previously served as the Deputy Chairperson of the Queensland Heritage Council and has a strong interest in the preservation of historical places. George researches and writes about Queensland history and architecture. His most recent books focus on the history of local government in the Maryborough region. Prior to his election, he worked in community services and as a solicitor.

Libraries are fundamental to healthy and connected communities.  They help people to discover new interests, follow their passions, and expand their horizons.

Dr Jodie Siganto

Jodie Siganto is a privacy and cyber security lawyer and consultant. Over her career, she has held in-house counsel roles for Tandem Computers, Unisys Asia and Dell. She co-founded data security firm, Bridge Point Communications, and more recently Privacy108 Consulting and has held leadership roles with industry groups including AISA. Jodie is an experienced company director, holding positions with government owned corporations and private businesses. 

Stories help us understand ourselves, our neighbours, our history and the place we live in now, they bring us knowledge, and pleasure and help bind us together. As the collectors, protectors and sharers of our stories, libraries shine a light on our past, and our shared experiences, while at the same time helping us imagine and shape our future.

Ms Courtney Talbot

Courtney Talbot is a company director who is passionate about the not-for-profit sector. She is President of the Queensland Library Foundation, Deputy Chair of Brisbane Festival’s Philanthropy Committee, sits on the Board of Governors for Queensland Community Foundation and is a Patron of the Prince’s Trust Australia. Courtney was awarded Queensland Community Foundation’s Emerging Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2018 for her work at State Library of Queensland. 

Libraries are important to me because they provide knowledge and resources to anyone and everyone in the community. It is a place that has no social boundaries. There is something for everyone to discover and learn. 

Ms Vicki McDonald AM FALIA

State Librarian and CEO

The State Librarian and CEO is responsible for the proper and sound management of State Library of Queensland, under the authority of the Library Board of Queensland. The State Librarian and CEO provides strategic advice and direction to the Library Board; plans and develops new initiatives, services and programs; manages the resources of the State Library; initiates strategic partnerships and leads the State Library of Queensland.

Under the Libraries Act 1988 (Qld), the State Librarian and CEO must attend all meetings of the Board unless excused or precluded by the Board.