Patricia Gallaher OAM

Patricia 'Pat' Gallaher devoted almost 30 years to delivering exceptional public library services in regional Western Australia, in Paraburdoo and Karratha, and then for 20 years as the regional librarian for the City of Geraldton (1981-2001). During this time Pat introduced many new services and developments to the Geraldton Library, including a service to house-bound residents, the first county book sale, CD-ROMs and the Internet, and an automated library management system. Pat also oversaw extensions to the Library, established its local studies collection and initiated the Randolph Stow Young Writers Award. Pat served on many committees promoting regional arts, including the Geraldton Arts Council and as a board member of Country Arts WA. In 1987 Pat formed the Mid West regional chapter of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).  Following her retirement from the library, Pat was elected to the Geraldton City Council, serving from 2001-2003.

Pat Gallaher joined the Library Board of Western Australia in 2002 as the representative for the WA Local Government Association and served a four year term to 2006. She was named as a Fellow of the Library Board in 2011, in recognition for her commitment to libraries and the arts in regional Western Australia.