A building that has always been at the heart of Gilgandra has impressed judges at this year’s regional architecture awards, coming away with three major prizes.

The GIL Library + Community Hub was recognised at the Australian Institute of Architects 2026 Regional Architecture Awards, announced at a gala event on Friday, February 13.

The project received a Named Award for Urban Design, along with Awards for Public Architecture and Sustainable Architecture.

Designed by DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design on Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Wailwan Country, the project has transformed a former Target Country building into a vibrant civic hub in the centre of

Gilgandra’s heritage precinct.

Gilgandra Shire Council Mayor Doug Batten said the recognition reflected years of planning, collaboration and community vision.

“This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the significant planning, collaboration and passion that went into delivering this landmark in the heart of our CBD,” Cr Batten said.

“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.”

The awards submission included a formal project mission statement - a concise summary provided by the architects outlining the purpose, intent and broader impact of the redevelopment.

The fresh and inviting GIL Library + Community Hub has won architecture awards for its designers, DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design. Photo: DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design.

It states:

“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.”

In essence, the statement outlines how the redevelopment was not simply about refurbishing a building, but about reshaping a key site into a long-term community asset - one that links the main street to the river, supports a wide range of programs, and is built to withstand local environmental challenges.

Cr Batten also acknowledged the architects and project partners behind the redevelopment.

“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,” he said.

DunnHillam Principal Architect Ashley Dunn said the awards were a proud moment for both the practice and the town.

“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,” Mr Dunn said.

“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.”

By retaining the structure’s embodied energy and breathing new life into a long-standing building, the GIL Library + Community Hub has strengthened Gilgandra’s cultural life while reinforcing its civic and economic future.