Kay Poustie OAM

Kay first joined the Library Board of Western Australia in 1990, serving until 1993 as representative for the Local Government Association. Five years later, in 1998, she returned for an eight year term as the representative of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) on the Board.  Her ability and experience was recognised when she was elected Chairman of the Library Board first for four months during 2001, and then again between 2002 and 2006.

During this time, Kay oversaw major developments in relations between the State Library and WA public libraries, including the signing of the Framework Agreement and the acquisition of a further $10.3 million in local government funds for library resources. Other achievements during this time include the launch of the Better Beginnings program and the securing of the $3 million Lotterywest grant for the Historical Records Rescue Consortium. Kay also guided the Library Board through the Machinery of Government Review, following which Cabinet endorsed the recommendation from the Minister for Culture and the Arts that the Library Board remain a Statutory Authority.

More recently, Kay has worked tirelessly to see the State Library of Western Australia Foundation become a reality. A lifelong contributor to non-profit ventures, Kay also served in a variety of roles as a member of Zonta International and also for Meath Care.  Kay was recognised as a Board Fellow in 2010.