Panel
Panel Title:
Building stronger, more connected and cohesive communities
Panel Presenters:
Sam Mernagh, Shelly Lausberg, Jacqui Auhl, Pip Minney
Panel Date:
Tuesday 12 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Panel Description:
A conversation on the power of libraries to foster connections, build belonging and embed trust within communities.
In 2025/26 The Australian Library and Information Association, in partnership with the Office for Social Cohesion worked with 115 public and 10 university libraries across the country on an exciting new community engagement initiative. Participating libraries hosted 750 programs to build, grow and protect community cohesion, helping to connect and support individuals and communities in diverse ways.
Office for Social Cohesion within the Department of Home Affairs works to strengthen social cohesion and democratic resilience in Australia. ALIA’s purpose is a strong library and information services sector for a thriving democracy.
This presentation will provide an overview of the partnership and outcomes with cases studies from 3 participating libraries.
Sam Mernagh
Assistant Director
Office for Social Cohesion
Department of Home Affairs
Presenter Bio
Sam Mernagh is an Assistant Director in the Office for Social Cohesion at the Department of Home Affairs. She trained as a primary school teacher before joining the Australian Public Service. Sam specialises in public education programs and is responsible for delivering initiatives that strengthen civic engagement and participation. Over the past year, one of her key projects has been working with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to deliver the Community Cohesion Hubs program, supporting inclusive and connected communities across Australia.
Shelly Lausberg
Library Client Services Manager
Logan City Council Libraries
Presenter Bio
Shelly Lausberg is the Library Client Services Manager with Logan City Council Libraries and a passionate advocate for the role libraries play in fostering social connection and community wellbeing. With over 20 years’ experience across public library services, Shelly has led teams, programs, and service models that place connection, inclusion, and community impact at the heart of library practice. She brings a strong belief that libraries are not just places for information, but essential social infrastructure where relationships, connection, belonging, and support can thrive.
Jacqui Auhl
Team Leader
Library Programs and Digital Literacy
Hume City Council
Presenter Bio
Jacqui Auhl is the Team Leader for Library Programs and Digital Literacy at Hume City Council, in the outer north-western suburbs of Melbourne. She supports library staff to plan, promote and deliver programs that are inclusive, engaging, and accessible. Jacqui is passionate about promoting libraries as a space that can bring the community together through learning, literacy, and play. Her goal is to connect library staff and customers with services and resources that will help them grow and thrive together.
Pip Minney
Curator and Cultural Programs Specialist
Deakin University Library
Presenter Bio
Pip Minney is a curator and cultural programs specialist at Deakin University Library, where she develops exhibitions and collaborates with colleagues to deliver public programs that connect research, collections and community. In 2026, Pip led the Deakin Library Exhibitions and Public Programs team, delivering major cross disciplinary initiatives including multi campus exhibitions, public storytelling events and projects that demonstrate the social impact of universities as cultural institutions. She is committed to collaboration, experiential learning and using libraries as platforms for connection and cohesion, informed by strong regional engagement and partnership.