Winner
Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Karen Stephens with the Individuals – Paid award. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, Jiriki Media. Courtesy of Museums & Galleries Queensland.
Karen Stephens
Exhibition Supervisor, Waltzing Matilda Centre
A passionate cultural leader, mentor and advocate, Karen Stephens was recognised for her sustained leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening arts and cultural participation across regional and remote Queensland.
As the Exhibition Supervisor at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton, Karen has built strategic partnerships with arts organisations, schools, community groups and industry leaders, expanding creative opportunities across regional and remote Queensland. She has transformed the John Villiers Outback Art Prize into a nationally respected platform for artistic excellence and community connection, and is deeply committed to nurturing emerging talent, particularly young people, through initiatives such as the Emerging Youth Category and Children’s Art Project.
Karen’s impact extends well beyond exhibition programs, strengthening the cultural life of her community and amplifying the creative voice of regional and remote Queenslanders. Her work has empowered countless artists, encouraged participation in the arts and demonstrated the transformative role cultural leaders can play in shaping communities.
Highly Commended
Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Dr Jacqui Donegan with the Highly Commended presentation. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, Jiriki Media. Courtesy of Museums & Galleries Queensland.
Dr Jacqui Donegan
Director, Mater Heritage & Archives Centre
Dr Jacqui Donegan was recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to preserving, sharing and celebrating the rich heritage of the Mater.
As Director, Heritage & Archives, Dr Donegan has transformed the Mater’s heritage program into a vibrant and accessible resource that connects people to the organisation’s mission, values and history. Guided by her philosophy of “place over space” and a strong commitment to storytelling, inclusion and service, she has successfully embedded heritage across hospital sites, education facilities and community spaces, ensuring staff, patients, volunteers and visitors can engage with the organisation’s history as part of everyday life.
Through her leadership, Dr Donegan has strengthened the Mater’s collections and archives, championed diverse and inclusive storytelling, and fostered opportunities for volunteers and emerging heritage professionals.
