LEP in action - Queensland
Judy Tayt, the Queensland LEP Coordinator, has clocked up close to 10,000 kilometres in the air, in order to visit the LEP member libraries located north of Bundaberg. She reports-
"It's been a wonderful experience visiting all the libraries, meeting up with people that I've only had the opportunity to speak with by phone or communicate via email. The libraries are the hub of many communities. Many libraries had lists of questions that library patrons had asked since hearing about the release of the new Census data. I was able to tailor the training exercises and maximise the learning experience of navigating CLIB and the ABS Website.
It was so diverse", Judy responded when asked to capture the essence of her experiences. "Their questions can range from a new community-based newspaper wanting to understand the languages spoken by readers in a city, to real estate investors looking for information about people living in the Sydney suburbs, to local sporting groups needing population figures for a submission to build a new sports club.
The value of the face-to-face LEP visits is certainly highlighted in these situations. You really feel that you are leaving the library staff with some valuable skills for the future."
When quizzed about the logistics of travelling to the far corners of the state, Judy offered: "It's quite a challenge to bring together the people, the equipment, the location and the time for the training. However the benefits have far outstripped the logistical management side of things. All of the training sessions have been welcome additions to the library staff's already busy timetables.
I've also enjoyed the sightseeing side of the LEP role. I will never forget the sunset in Mt Isa - it was just fantastic, such an intense dark red. I was sitting next to a long-time resident of Mt Isa and when I saw the sunset I jumped out of my seat saying "Wow, did you see that sunset, that's amazing!" only to see a quizzical look on his face wondering what all the fuss was about."
Judy has had many offers from colleagues to swap jobs, however they don't have a chance in the immediate future. "I've the best job in the Queensland office and loving every minute of it!"
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