Fraser Coast Libraries celebrate winning bookmarks
Published on 05 June 2026
A half-opened tin of sardines, a mouse made from feathers and a magical fox were among the standout creations in this year’s Fraser Coast Libraries Design-a-Bookmark competition.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the much-loved annual competition continued to inspire creativity across the community, with 278 entries received across six categories.
“This was one of our biggest years yet, with an incredibly high standard of entries and plenty of creative ideas,” he said.
“For the first time, we also introduced an All-Abilities Category to help make the competition more inclusive and ensure people of all ages and abilities had the opportunity to take part and showcase their creativity.
“Congratulations to all the winners and entrants who shared their imagination, artistic talent and love of reading through their designs.
“Winners were recognised at a special presentation this week, receiving a certificate and a $50 Fraser Coast Buy Local Gift Card.
Cr Seymour said this year’s competition also featured a special family achievement, with a father and daughter both taking out winning categories.
“Benjamin Nowack won the 18 to 59 category with a creative bookmark featuring a mobile library travelling by train, while his daughter Sahara Nowack won the 12 to 17 category with a quirky design of a half-opened tin of sardines,” he said.
“Artist Pam Gravenor used feathers in her winning entry depicting a reading mouse, a very creative approach never seen before in this competition.
“Popular themes this year included animals, rainbows, books and reading, showing just how imaginative our community can be.
“It’s fantastic to see the competition continuing to grow, particularly in the 7 to 11 age group, which made up almost half of all entries this year.
“We also saw participation in the 18 to 59 category increase by around 30 per cent, showing creativity and a love of libraries really spans all ages.
Six of the seven categories were judged by Jacob Bunt, Exhibition and Public Art Coordinator at Gatakers Artspace, who praised the creativity and originality of the entries.
"The diversity of entries this year is a wonderful reflection of the creativity of our Fraser Coast community,” he said.
“Full of imaginative designs responding to a broad range of themes, the enthusiasm evident in each piece demonstrates the passion we all share for our local libraries.
"Overall, I most enjoyed the half-opened tin of sardines. Playfully engaging senses beyond sight, the simple act of opening a book to your last page becomes a slap in the face with the pungent smell of tinned fish!"
The winners of the 2026 Fraser Coast Libraries’ Design-a-Bookmark Competition are:
- 6 years and under – Dilys Lunnon
- 7 to 11 years – Charlotte Evans
- 12 to 17 years – Sahara Nowack
- 18 to 59 years – Benjamin Nowack
- 60+ years – Pam Gravenor
- All Abilities – Annmarie Porter
- People’s Choice Award – Natasha Boynton
Cr Seymour said the People’s Choice Award again drew strong support, with 213 votes cast by library members.
“Natasha’s winning digital design features a striking kitsune against a starry night sky,” he said.
“A kitsune is a magical fox spirit from Japanese folklore, known for its intelligence and supernatural powers.
“The winning bookmark designs will now be printed and available for free at all Fraser Coast Libraries next month.”
Fraser Coast Libraries receive financial assistance from the Queensland Government through the State Library of Queensland.