Media Release - 16 February 2026
The very best in regional architecture have been named in the Australian Institute of Architects' 2026 Regional Architecture Awards. Revealed in a gala last Friday, 13 February, the GIL Library Hub was celebrated with not one, but three awards.
• Urban Design - Named Award Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan
• Public Architecture - Award Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan
• Sustainable Architecture - Award Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan
Cr Mayor Doug Batten says the recognition reflects the vision, care and collaboration that brought an empty community building to life in the heart of Gilgandra's CBD.
"This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the significant planning, collaboration and passion that went into delivering this landmark in the heart of our CBD. We were very excited to hear that it was recognised across multiple categories at the 2026 Regional Architecture Awards. It speaks not only to the quality of its architectural design, but to the strong community vision that shaped the project from the very beginning. Since re-opening almost 12 months ago, the GIL Library Hub has quickly become a vibrant and welcoming place for education and learning, connection, play, and community and we are incredibly proud to see this celebrated on a regional stage with national recognition."
Cr Mayor Doug Batten also acknowledged the project partners and architects who helped bring the vision to life.
"We extend our sincere thanks to the team at DunnHillam for their submissions to the Australian Institute of Architects' 2026 Regional Architecture Awards, and their work and commitment throughout the design and delivery of this intergenerational community asset."
DunnHillam Principal Architect Ashley Dunn says receiving the awards was a proud moment and recognition for DunnHillam.
"This building has always been at the heart of Gilgandra, and it's been a real pleasure working with Council and getting to know the community over the life of this project. Our job was to listen carefully and help the building find its next chapter. It's a proud moment to see three architecture awards recognise what Gilgandra already knew, that this building had so much more to give, and with the right care, it'll be serving the town for another hundred years".
Submission Media Statement:
The GIL Library Hub transforms a former Target Country building into the town's vibrant civic heart, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can revitalise heritage main streets while delivering exceptional community value. Located at the centre of Gilgandra's heritage precinct, the library accommodates diverse programming from youth robotics competitions and music recording to business incubation and community events.
The design extends beyond the building to include a reimagined plaza that creates an "outdoor living room" connecting Miller Street to the Castlereagh River through native landscaping and event facilities. Flood-resilient design ensures century-long durability, while flexible interior planning supports the ambitious programming envisioned by GSC Librarian, Liz McCutcheon.
The project exemplifies sustainable civic infrastructure, retaining embodied energy through adaptive reuse while creating a dynamic community asset that strengthens Gilgandra's cultural and economic capacity for future generations.
