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John Oxley Library Medal
About the Medal
The John Oxley Library Medal recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the appreciation of Queensland history. The Medal is granted annually to promote the value of pursuing historical knowledge and its role in shaping Queenslanders understanding of themselves and each other.
See list of previous recipients.
Nominate an individual who is championing Queensland history today. Read the selection criteria for each award in the Guidelines document below before nominating. Nominations will be assessed against these criteria. See our Medals FAQ page for more information.
2026 John Oxley Library Medal
The 2026 John Oxley Library Medal was awarded to Janeth Deen OAM.
Janeth Deen has made a significant contribution to Queensland history by documenting and preserving the stories of Muslim communities in Brisbane and beyond. As co-founder and president of Queensland Muslim Historical Society, she has collected artefacts, oral histories, and records that highlight the rich heritage of Queensland’s Muslim population. Through exhibitions, research, and community engagement, Janeth has raised awareness of Queensland’s cultural diversity, fostered understanding, and promoted social cohesion. A respected leader and the first woman to join the Queensland Islamic Council, Janeth was awarded an Order of Australia for her service to multiculturalism, making her a role model in both the historical and multicultural sectors.
Janeth Deen OAM, 2026 John Oxley Library Medal recipient and Debbie Best, Chair Library Board of Queensland.
Presenting the 2026 John Oxley Library Medal
Watch Janeth Deen OAM accept her award at the timestamp 1.23.
John Oxley Library Medal Alumni Address
Each year at the annual State Library Fellowships and Medals announcement event, a previous John Oxley Library Medal recipient is invited to deliver a short address on a topic of their choice related to Queensland history.
The inaugural address in 2025 was delivered by Matthew Condon OAM, 2013 recipient. In Rediscovering Memory: A Story of Truth, Family, and the Power of Writing, Matthew reflects on how memory and storytelling shape identity and legacy. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the transformative power of uncovering hidden truths and the enduring impact of sharing our stories.
In 2025, Professor Kay Saunders AO, the 2010 recipient, presented the address. Drawing on her experiences as a researcher—from her early work in 1969 to contributing to State Library’s publication Between the Covers in 2006—Kay reflected on the expertise and diligence of librarians.
2025 John Oxley Library Medal Alumni Address by Matthew Condon OAM.
2026 John Oxley Library Medal Alumni Address by Professor Kay Saunders AO.
