Winner
Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Renata Musson with the award for Low Isles Preservation Society & Low Isles Museum. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, Jiriki Media. Courtesy of Museums & Galleries Queensland.
Low Isles Preservation Society & Low Isles Museum
The Low Isles Preservation Society (LIPS) was named Volunteer Museum / Gallery of the Year in recognition of its outstanding achievement in transforming the Low Isles Museum into an engaging and accessible cultural destination that celebrates the rich scientific, maritime and cultural heritage of the Great Barrier Reef.
What began as a grassroots effort to revitalise an ageing museum and improve access to its stories has become a project of regional significance, influencing broader heritage planning and interpretation across Far North Queensland.
Demonstrating the extraordinary impact of volunteer leadership, LIPS volunteers, together with island caretakers Ren and Col Musson, partnered with Senior Museum Development Officer Dr Jo Wills to undertake a comprehensive redevelopment of the Museum’s collections, interpretation and visitor experience.
The redevelopment has strengthened community ownership of local heritage, enhanced cultural tourism and provided a catalyst for broader regional projects celebrating maritime history and Sea Country. It stands as a powerful testament to the fact that impact is not determined by scale, but by vision, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to community stewardship.
Highly Commended
Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Sandy MacDonald, Puddy Chandler and Di Griffin with the Highly Commended presentation for Roma on Bungil Gallery. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, Jiriki Media. Courtesy of Museums & Galleries Queensland.
Roma on Bungil Gallery
Roma on Bungil Gallery is congratulated for The Wealth: Portraits of Maranoa Locals, a powerful community-led exhibition celebrating the people, stories and unique character of the Maranoa region.
Developed through a partnership between Roma on Bungil Gallery, Creative Injune and acclaimed portrait artist Daniel Butterworth, the project featured 30 large-scale portraits alongside photographs and stories representing more than 70 local residents. Capturing the diversity, resilience and spirit of the region, the exhibition honoured the individuals whose contributions help shape and sustain Maranoa communities.
Through its collaborative approach and artistic excellence, The Wealth: Portraits of Maranoa Locals showcased the richness of regional Queensland while reinforcing the important role volunteer-led galleries play in celebrating and preserving local stories.
