Official Launch of Winifred Fisher Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC), Cherbourg

On Monday, 4^th July 2016, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council commenced their NAIDOC celebrations with the re-opening of the Winifred Fisher Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Cherbourg.

Over 400 people celebrated the historic event which was officially opened by Ron Weatherall, Deputy Director-General on behalf of Claire O’Connor, Director-General, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.  SLQ was represented by A/State Librarian and CEO Jane Cowell and other SLQ staff.

Jane Cowell, Acting State Librarian with Mayor Arnold Murray at the IKC launch.

The Winifred Fisher Indigenous Knowledge Centre joins a network of 21 IKCs operating across Queensland.

The IKC provides lending, reference and information (library) services as well as internet access and public access of computers and digital devices. This Centre provides the community with services and programs that promote knowledge, culture, language preservation and emerging technologies/ digital literacy.

In 2001, the State Library of Queensland made a commitment to support Council to establish the IKC at Cherbourg known as the Winifred Fisher Knowledge Centre library located at Cherbourg State School Library. Although the centre was closed for the last five years, Council were eager to re-establish the Centre and worked with SLQ for the last three years to make it happen. The newly renovated Child and Maternal Welfare Clinic on Barambah Ave, Cherbourg is the new home of the IKC.

Blog by  Lesley Acres.