Standard English does not acknowledge multiple knowledges or wisdoms, so it is never used in the plural. However, in Indigenous cultures that are diverse, the wisdoms and knowledges can extend across cultures, and are also closely connected to kinship and Country.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and recognises their continuous connections to Country, Community and cultures. We pay our respects to First Nations peoples, their narratives, traditions and practices from time immemorial, and to Elders both past and present. We acknowledge the long lasting strength and resilience of the Peoples that have come before us, and we stand with Elders of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations. We honour the continued connections between Country, languages, stories and Peoples. We wish to pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as they will become our future leaders, Elders and Custodians of Country.
In particular, we would like to acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Lands on which our head office is based in Warrane/Sydney.
The Foundation was established in 2010, having been initially set up in 2003 as the Riverbend Readers’ Challenge, before evolving in 2007 to the Indigenous Literacy Project (ILP), in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation. Our Founder, Suzy Wilson, a bookshop owner and former teacher, established ILP and lobbied to gain the support of the Australian Book Industry.
Our ambition is to provide remote Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Communities with the literacy resources they request to support their aspirations for Community and Culture.
Our purpose is to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities to provide the tools and resources they request to shape the direction of their children’s literacy futures.
Through collaborative investment in Community and meaningful strategic partnerships, the ILF supports sustainable and positive change in Indigenous literacy through the supply of books and a focus on the publication of First Nations content. We aim to advocate and build awareness among the wider Australian population of the strengths, knowledges and wisdoms held within remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
Our focus is on building and maintaining relationships with remote Communities. Our Foundation’s values are: DIVERSITY RESPECT TRUST EQUITY
These values underpin how we operate in every aspect of our work.
2023 saw the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) continue its journey celebrating the strengths, wisdom, and experience of centring culture into all aspects of the ILF.
The ILF is Community-led at all levels of the organisation, from operationally working with and for Community to deliver on their literacy aspirations; to exploring the implementation of Indigenous governance principles; ensuring the rich, diverse First Nations’ cultures and knowledges are represented, listened to and reflected in the work and culture of the ILF.
The ILF does not take any government funding and remains free of government agendas and political pressure. The ILF will continue to platform and champion the aspirations and lived experiences of the Communities that we serve. As an organisation we wholeheartedly believe that the Community members are best placed to be the experts in the resourcing and support they require to fulfil the aspirations of the Elders, the youth of today and those to come.
“The ILF works with over 400 Communities around Australia and universally we are witnessing that Communities are critical consumers in the literacy space. They are leading the work of developing and curating content, working in multiple languages to create and translate bilingual content, and feeding the interests of children. Equipped with these tools, they are effectively shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Put simply, the wisdoms of the Indigenous worldview is not only about teaching lessons from the past, but also lessons for the future.”
BEN BOWEN, ILF CEO
“The ILF’s values align directly with our core pillars –representation, belonging, and wellbeing – making it a fitting partnership and one that all our employees feel honoured to be a part of. Over the past 15 years, we have worked on various projects together from mentorship programs with Tiwi Islands students to translating popular stories, like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, into First Languages. We look forward to many more meaningful projects with the ILF and are thrilled by the organisation’s constant passion and continuous growth. We are delighted to continue enabling the great work of the ILF through donations and look forward to everything that 2024 has in store.”
JULIE BURLAND, CEO, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
I would like to thank the incredibly talented and passionate team I have the pleasure of working alongside at the ILF. It is a team made up of staff, Board members, Ambassadors, Community partners, key stakeholders and donors.
The work of the ILF would not be possible without the generous hard work of you all channelled into listening, acknowledging and supporting the literacy aspirations of Communities around Australia.
In 2023, the ILF saw another year of growth particularly in our ability to deliver programs, publish books and support more Communities. The ILF now supports over 400 Communities through Book Supply, Book Buzz, Community Publishing, the Create Initiative programs and the relaunch of the Pamela Lofts Bequest program. We also saw an expansion of regions we are working within Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales.
In 2023, the ILF:
• published 14 books representing 17 languages through our Community Publishing program
• worked with 107 playgroups through the Book Buzz early literacy program
• ran two Create Initiative programs, one in Tiwi, one in Wujul Wujul, and one Pamela Lofts Bequest program
• gifted 116,400 culturally relevant books into 424 remote Communities through our Book Supply program
The ILF attended book launches in remote Indigenous Communities, including to the launch of Shordi Krik in Barunga, Northern Territory; Country Tells Us When… in Rubibi (Broome), Western Australia; and We Look, We Find in Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, among others.
2023 was a momentous year for other reasons, including large scale events for NAIDOC Week, the Referendum, and Indigenous Literacy Day which reached record engagement with over 300,000 viewers. As a political body the Voice to Parliament was not successful, but as a Community-led organisation the ILF remains fully committed to its work to serve Community, to listen, acknowledge and implement the wisdom of lived experience in order to fulfil the literacy aspirations of the Communities we are entrusted to support.
We are continuing the work to make the ILF an employer of choice through expansion of a remote employment plan, by building internal culture, establishing a people-first focus, and expansion of the professional and personal development training program. This training program is about developing pathways for Community into meaningful employment that supports exploration of interests and creates a culture of curiosity and exploration.
It is clear that the ILF’s impact is far beyond supporting children with access to books. The ILF focuses on properly resourcing culturally curated content in Book Supply and Book Buzz programs. The ILF prioritises the publication of Indigenous content through the Community Publishing and Translation Rights programs. Additionally, there is a specific and clear focus on Community-led advocacy in all aspects of our work, whereby the ILF is supporting Communities to fulfil aspirations around their futures.
In 2024, our priorities are to:
• Increase engagement in literacy
• Ensure access to culturally safe and significant resources
• Celebrate First Nations’ cultures, languages and connections
• Enable Community leadership on literacy
• Build connection between donors and First Nations Peoples’ aspirations
• Grow Community partnerships and stakeholder engagement
• Explore and develop a pathways program to support more remote employment opportunities
Community literacy is a beautifully unique space to operate in. It exists simultaneously on a page in written word, orally, and both in and on Country. Communities continue to find ways to breathe life into books and written words that make them cultural tools for learning culture, language, the world around them and the skills to thrive. This is seen in a title like Shordi Krik published in 2023. The book has a life and energy of its own, from the words on the page that you cannot read without singing out into Country to explore through the eyes of the creators. The collective experience, wisdom and knowledge is not recorded on a page - it is embedded into the book, a process that our Ancestors have done for tens of thousands of years through their custodianship and connection to Country.
Of course, none of this can happen without the generous support from the Communities we serve, our sponsors and donors. I thank you for your continued support and your trust in this process. Together, led by Elders and Community members, we will continue to support literacy journeys.
It is an incredible privilege as an Aboriginal man to be entrusted by Communities, the ILF organisation, Board, donors and supporters to be part of this exceptionally inspiring work. We can all agree that Reading Opens Doors to opportunities and possibilities to create a better future for all.
Mandaang guwu, Ben Bowen
As a journalist and broadcaster, sharing stories of First Nations people and places is something I’m incredibly passionate about. That’s why I’m thrilled for you to share in some of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s (ILF) successes and stories from the past year, which are contained within the pages of this Impact Report.
It’s an exciting time for the ILF. Over the past 12 months, the organisation has seen significant acceleration in terms of strategy implementation, programming and fund-raising – ensuring the Foundation’s continued growth and impact well into the future.
From a Board perspective, it’s been a year of fond farewells and warm welcomes.
In September, Co-Chair Dr Marnie O’Bryan, decided to step down after almost five years on the Board. Marnie’s deep experience of meeting the educational needs of children in remote Communities was exceptionally valuable to the ILF. She helped guide the ILF during some of its most pivotal moments, including the COVID pandemic, and its evolution into a Community-led organisation which places First Nations families, stories and languages at the heart of everything it does.
We also bid goodbye to Director Laura Harris, whose term concluded in late 2023. Anyone who’s met Laura knows what an absolute joy she is to work with, and we will miss her wise counsel and the many, many belly laughs shared over Board meetings.
We were saddedned to say goodbye to Co-Chair Marnie and board member Laura, but we thank them for their outstanding contributions to the ILF.
Joining me as Co-Chair, is Jacqui Payne, the first First Nations woman to be admitted as a solicitor in Queensland. As a Community-led organisation, the ILF is committed to ensuring strong First Nations governance and representation at all levels of the organisation, which is why I am so proud to share the leadership duties alongside Jacqui, and our wonderful CEO, Ben Bowen.
The incredible impact that the ILF is able to make is only possible because of our deadly supporters and partners–First Nations Communities, donors, corporations, and volunteers – that have supported us over the years, through the gift of time, resources or donations.
Big Eso – thank you – to you all, for your trust and belief in the work we do at the ILF. We are incredibly grateful to have you walk alongside us, as we continue the important work of supporting First Nations Communities across the country achieve their literary aspirations.
Natalie Ahmat, Co-Chair
We bid farewell to Marnie O’Bryan in October 2023 as Co-Chair. Marnie’s dedication, energy, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the organisation. Her leadership has been instrumental in propelling the ILF forward, steering it through challenges and significant growth.
Marnie’s profound understanding of the educational needs of children in remote Communities has been invaluable. She has championed the importance of Community involvement, placing it at the heart of the ILF. Under her guidance, the ILF has embraced increased Indigenous leadership, ensuring a more inclusive and impactful approach.
We thank Marnie for her outstanding service and wish her the very best in her future endeavours.
Laura Harris (Dec 2023)
As Laura Harris completes her tenure as a Board member, we celebrate her remarkable contributions. With over two decades overseeing the children’s list at Penguin Random House Australia, Laura has been a driving force behind countless beloved stories. Laura made significant contributions to the Create Initiative program with the development of the Japarrika series across three years with Penguin Random House. Laura’s impact extends beyond the pages of books; as a literary judge and lecturer, she has tirelessly advocated for the transformative power of storytelling.
While we’ll miss her presence on the Board, Laura’s legacy will continue to inspire us. Her loving and caring nature made everyone feel welcome. Thank you, Laura, for your unwavering commitment to literacy, education and the ILF.
Worked with 107 playgroups with the Book Buzz early literacy program
170,000
Ran two Create Initiative programs, one with eight senior students from Tiwi College and one with Elders in Community at Wujal Wujal
116,400 107 21 6.7 315,000 18
Gifted 116,400 culturally relevant books into 424 remote Communities through our Book Supply program
Raised over $170,000 through the ILF’s annual fundraiser, the Great Book Swap
Ran one Pamela Lofts Bequest program with seven young people from remote Northern Territory and Western Australia aged 18-22, in collaboration with Adobe and DXC Technology
Reached over 315,000 people across Australia via live stream on Indigenous Literacy Day
Published 14 books representing 17 languages in 2023 through our Community Publishing program
17
82,000
Worked with six Lifetime Ambassadors and twelve Ambassadors
Launched the ILF’s newest fundraiser Busking for Change, raising over $82,000 for the ILF Programs
We are honoured to have two incredible leaders as Co-Patrons to the Foundation.
First Nations languages, stories and songs are the foundation of our society and existence. Our languages hold the knowledges of the Country—they help all of life to speak, such as the rivers, mountains and trees, lizards, and birds. Without our languages and stories these non-human beings that are integral to the functioning of life can too easily be ignored and mistaken as silent. First Nations languages describe the earth in all its complexity and brilliance.
The ILF knows this and is finding ways to document our stories and First Languages in contemporary forms, so our children, families and cultures continue to thrive. ILF understands how empowering it is to be able to write, read and hear our stories in both English and our First Languages. It can ensure the intergenerational transference of the oldest stories and knowledges on earth, while laying the pathway for our children to walk successfully between Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds.
The Foundation supports First Nations Communities all across Australia to self-determine how they can use literacy in their lives. There are hundreds of Community members becoming authors, publishing books in their languages, and teaching our young people to read and hold our stories, ready to share with another generation. It brings me so much joy to be Co-Patron of ILF and watch the Foundation, and our young people, grow from strength to strength.
I’m enormously proud to be Co-Patron of ILF. It makes my heart sing, the way year after year, this brilliant organisation achieves more and more to enrich and enhance the most important things in the lives of kids in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities; books, learning, reading, language, education, participation, resources, workshops and programs. Every year the outcomes are measured, and the hard work, creativity, commitment and dedication of all the marvellous people who work for ILF shines.
I love the way ILF explains that literacy is “a navigation skill, it gives kids the ability to navigate the world around them”.
I know the year ahead is going to be great. We must push on with our advocacy among the wider population to strengthen the knowledge and wisdom held within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
Each year our Board, Ambassadors and many long term supporters volunteer their time and energy to the purpose of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. They do this because they share a powerful belief that every child in this country has the right to become literate and have access to all the unlocked doors associated with literacy.
The humanity and generosity of spirit this group of people bring to the ILF has immeasurable long term benefits for our organisation and the Communities we serve. Some very beautiful books have been published, some inspired and original fundraising has occurred through initiatives such as Busking for Change, Great Book Swap, Lunch and Learn sessions, Emu Trekker walks around Sydney, walks in Ku-Ring-Gai National Park with Richard Unsworth from Garden Life, workplace giving, gift wrapping at numerous bookshops, bequests in Wills, marathons, and many more - too many acts to be able to acknowledge in these few words.
I would like to dedicate my Founder’s statement in 2024 to these volunteers, who are the quiet champions of bright futures for young Indigenous Australians. Thank you. Your hard work, your generous and practical contributions to the ILF’s purpose give us all hope that this country can improve its humanitarian profile, and we can all do better.
It is our great fortune to have Ambassadors who possess remarkable skills, unwavering dedication, and a strong drive to contribute their time and expertise towards the Indigenous Literacy Foundation across the country. We celebrated NAIDOC and Indigenous Literacy Day, and many continued to show their support at virtual events, fundraisers, and publishing projects in remote Communities. We thank each and every Ambassador for sharing the ILF’s vision and continuing to give their time and talents so generously to share the ILF story.
424 Communities with Book Supply available, 107 sites with Book Buzz available,
42 Communities with whom we have published books.
The ILF team expanded in 2023 with two new staff members, while also bidding farewell to Lisa Flower and Tshinta Morris-Fernando.
We express immense gratitude to those who have been part of our journey and extend a warm welcome to those who have joined us. They also contributed to book launches, audio and visual learning resources, online workshops, and translation projects.
Katharine Elkan Katharine joined the ILF in April 2023 as our first permanent HR professional. She has had a career in HR spanning 30 years, working across various industries most recently for Australia’s largest vitamin company where she set up the HR Department from scratch. With kids finishing school and recently completing her Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations at Sydney University, she is excited to be starting a new chapter in her role at the ILF.
“Every day I consider it a privilege to work alongside people that I admire and who are really making a tangible impact on people’s lives. The ILF brings the best out in people as they are encouraged to use their skills and unique abilities in meaningful work in an organisation that has real purpose and vision.”
Enchinea (Nea) Close-Brown
In October 2023 Enchinea Close-Brown joined the ILF as Publishing Coordinator. Commencing with us after completing the Open Book publishing internship that involved working across two major publishing houses, where she discovered an interest in editorial. While studying a Bachelor of Arts at University of Wollongong majoring in International Relations she had hopes to work in the NFP sector and is keen for her times ahead at the ILF.
“Indigenous languages and knowledge systems have long been seen as less than their western counterparts, as the tides change this belief is slowly becoming antiquated. The kind of work that the ILF does is part of this change, I’m both grateful and keen to be a part of it.”
We’d like to acknowledge two of our longest standing volunteers, Sonia Palmisano and Janet Hutchinson. Thank you for your contiunous support of the ILF.
Michelle Barr
Michelle started a fundraising campaign for the ILF in 2021 wanting to make a difference and connecting her personal reading goal to raising money to provide books to children in remote Communities. She volunteered at Byron Bay Writers Festival in 2022, as well as collecting donations and spreading the message about the work of the ILF and was able to pick up some great books from First Nations authors. In 2023, supported by the organisation where she works, bdna, Michelle worked with the Marketing Team to help develop the ILF’s Communication Plan.
“I’m passionate about finding ways to make a difference, regardless of how small and incremental the steps may be. It has been rewarding to work with the ILF over the last three years in a range of different ways contributing to the amazing work they do.”
Sonia Palmisano
Sonia Palmisano has been volunteering with the ILF for over 10 years. This makes her one of the longestserving ILF team members. Among other things, Sonia mostly works with the ILF Marketing Team with their weekly content creation and attended a Community trip to Katherine for the launch of the Binjari books. Sonia is extremely kind and has put in countless hours volunteering at events, Great Book Swaps, and being an advocate for the ILF and remote Communities.
“I’ve always been passionate about literacy, perhaps because my dad struggled with reading from a young age. Reading is something I’ve always loved, but I never took my ability to read for granted.”
Janet Hutchinson
Janet Hutchinson has volunteered with the ILF almost since its inception in 2006. She currently supports the ILF by writing Community blogs and magazine articles on behalf of the Foundation, and by volunteering at events. Over the years, Janet has done a range of volunteer activities, from stuffing envelopes to travelling to the Binjari book launching in 2017 and to the Byron Bay Writers Festival in 2019.
“I was struck from the outset by the dedication, deep commitment, and sustained determination of the ILF to help address literacy in remote First Nations Communities across the country.”
• Zoe Cassim was Programs Manager, now Head of Programs
• Becc Finney was Marketing Manager, now Head of Marketing
• Tictac Moore was Regional Program Coordinator in Tiwi, now Programs Manager
• Bella Puruntatameri was Regional Program Assistant - Tiwi Islands, now Regional Program Coordinator - Tiwi Islands
• Nicola Robinson was Publishing Manager, now Head of Publishing
• Ella Schofield was Social Media & Communications Coordinator, now Marketing & Communications Coordinator
• David Stewart was Relationship Manager, now Head of Fundraising
• Asal Tabee was Intern, now Marketing Assistant
• Lisa Flower Marketing Consultant (October 2023)
• Marnie O’Bryan Co-Chair (September 2023)
• Laura Harris Board Member (December 2023)
• Tshinta Morris-Fernando Graphic Design Intern (April 2023)
The ILF invests in all stakeholders of the Communities, from the youth to parents and guardians, Elders and support services. Through our three key programs Book Supply, Book Buzz and Community Publishing we work at different levels of engagement to ensure Community have access to culturally relevant resources, and are engaged and leading the direction and scope of the programs. With our donors and key stakeholders we ensure our resources are focussed on Community strength and respect, ensuring people have the confidence to take on opportunities, and remain in control of their stories, languages, and children’s futures.
“The ILF goes from strength to strength in response to Community requests for the right books to support the literacy journeys of their children. I am most excited about the First Language publishing of Community stories.”
LOUISE STARK, CEO, HACHETTE AUSTRALIA
Illustration from Country Tells Us When... by Tsheena Cooper, Mary Dann, Dalisa Pigram-Ross and Sheree Ford
Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) is an annual celebration of First Nations peoples’ Stories, Cultures and Languages.
This year, ILF celebrated with a 15-minute FILM followed by a 45-minute LIVESTREAM from the Sydney Opera House, which was watched by over 315,000 people across Australia.
The FILM featured ILF Ambassador Jessica Mauboy inviting audiences to jump on a virtual plane to visit First Nations storytellers in Barunga in the Northern Territory, Rubibi (Broome) in north Western Australia and Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.
Then, back on Gadigal Country at the iconic Sydney Opera House, a 45-minute LIVESTREAM celebration started of storytelling and song hosted by ILF Ambassadors and superstars Justine Clarke, Gregg Dreise and Josh Pyke. Over 50 First Nations Sydney primary school students were in the audience to sing, dance, and learn from the performances.
Eight students from the Barunga Remote Community School were also in Sydney for the week and got up on stage to sing the Enimul Song, a fun and interactive song about different animals found in the Northern Territory in Kriol.
Thirteen ILF Ambassadors were in attendance - Josh Pyke, Justine Clarke, Gregg Dreise, Andy Griffiths, Jared Thomas, Shelley Ware, Ann James, Alison Lester, Richard Flanagan and Wayne Quilliam, as well as ILF Co-Patron Dame Quentin Bryce, ILF Founder Suzy Wilson and Youth Ambassador Penelope Towney.
“Indigenous Literacy Day was an extraordinary experience for our children, one that left a lasting impact on them. From the moment we arrived and witnessed the Aboriginal Flag flying proudly atop the Harbour Bridge, to walking up the Opera House stairs, the excitement was in the air.”
JENAYA, TEACHER
“The Indigenous Literacy Foundation does vital work in providing programs and activities that rejuvenate and promote First Nations languages, and this aligns to Lendlease’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan where investing in partnerships and programs that celebrate First Nations’ languages and cultures is a key focus area.”
“ILF engaged Studio Gilay to develop supporting animation for their beautiful film. We were quick to realise the importance and power of their work – impacting meaningful change across the nation, celebrating and empowering young mob. As an Indigenous owned small business, ILF inspires us to keep dreaming big and helps remind us why we do it.”
STUDIO GILAY
“The Sydney Opera House is honoured to have celebrated Indigenous Literacy Day with ILF this year, both on site and online. This is our 12th year of collaboration and the first time the full onsite event has been shared digitally through our Digital Creative Learning Program. In 2023 we had our biggest year yet with over 315,000 viewers, bringing First Nations peoples’ stories, cultures, and languages to all school students, regardless of their location”.
SYDNEYA SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ILD MAJOR SUPPORTER, LENDLEASE FOR THEIR $25,000 FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION, STUDIO GILAY FOR THEIR IN-KIND SUPPORT OF $8,000 FOR THE FILM EDITING, AND TO THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION OF $6,000 TOWARDS VENUE HIRE AND LIVE EVENT PRODUCTION COSTS.
For more information visit: ilf.org.au/ILD
Building stronger, more connected Communities is core to Australia Post’s purpose. That’s why Australia Post values the importance of literacy, learning and helping to improve children’s access to books and educational resources.
The partnership with the ILF is part of Australia Post’s commitment to Indigenous Literacy outcomes through its Reconciliation Action Plan.
As a proud supporter of the ILF since 2020, Australia Post has leveraged its vast network to support the delivery of culturally relevant books to First Nations children across Australia.
In 2023, the partnership delivered 115,860 to 424 remote First Nations Communities.
Whilst the foundation of the relationship with ILF is based on Australia Post’s delivery network providing First Nations children with greater access to culturally relevant books, the connection between the two organisations continues to deepen.
In 2023, a total of $18,176 was raised by Australia Post through a combination of over-the-counter donations, instore RoundUp transactions, donations through the online store and sales of festive ILF baubles and tote bags. The illustrations on the baubles were designed in collaboration with ILF Programs Manager Tictac Moore and the tote bags featured artwork from Kathy Arbon, which was originally produced for the book Can You Dance
A total of 4,094 tote bags, and 1,511 baubles were sold, with a portion of each being donated to ILF.
ILF’s Create Initiative provides the opportunity for people from remote Communities to create, illustrate, and write a book on the topic of their choice. Through the program, Community members share and retell their own stories in their own language, supporting the Community to preserve and maintain culture.
This year, Australia Post supported ILF to undertake two Create Initiative events with:
• Far North Queensland based Wujal Wujal Community Elders on Country. Together with ILF representatives, the Elders commenced the development of three picture books which are envisaged to become bilingual books for mainstream publishing.
• Tiwi Islands students, who travelled to Sydney for a week-long intensive program to develop a picture book, with the support of ILF mentors and Hachette.
STORYTELLING
Australia Post and ILF celebrated Indigenous Literacy Day with the launch of a new teacher guide and lesson plans designed to embed First Nations perspectives into the classroom. The guide was developed in collaboration with Yankunyjatjara and Wirangu educator, and ILF Ambassador, Shelley Ware.
The teacher guide focuses on Country Tells Us When…, a beautifully illustrated bilingual book in English and Yawuru languages that tells the story of how the Yawuru people read the seasons on Country. The book was written and illustrated by Tsheena Cooper, Mary Dann, Dalisa Pigram-Ross and Sheree Ford, with Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga Language Centre.
• Excited about the partnership between ILF and Australia Post achieving the next milestone of 500,000 books distributed through the Book Supply program
• Supporting ILF’s fundraising efforts so that more First Nations children in remote Communities can access culturally relevant books
• Providing Australia Post team members with more opportunities to celebrate ILF’s work and build on cultural knowledge and understanding
Australia Post raises public awareness for ILF’s work and in 2023 the campaign, featuring ILF Ambassador Shelley Ware, highlighted the Book Supply delivery outcomes achieved through the partnership between ILF and Australia Post.
The campaign appeared across a range of media channels, including metropolitan and regional radio, and online channels.
To support the UNESCO’s Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), Australia Post sold the following ILF bilingual book titles through the online shop and more than 550 Post Office stores nationally:
• 1,880 copies of bilingual titles, Karrkin and No Way Yirrikipayi!, and
• 831 copies of Moli det bigibigi (Moli the Pig)
The Australia Post team take real pleasure and pride in the relationship with ILF.
This year, at ILF CEO Ben Bowen’s invitation, Australia Post’s CEO Paul Graham, visited the Tiwi Islands to see firsthand the impact of ILF’s work in remote Communities. Reflecting on the visit, Paul said, “Due to the generous sharing of local knowledge, connection to Country over many generations and care for Community, I was able to experience a culture not often accessible to those born and raised outside the Tiwi Islands. I left the Tiwi Islands with an enthusiasm to share my knowledge and have encouraged my immediate team to spend time in Community.”
Earlier in the year, the broader Australia Post team had the opportunity to hear from ILF Ambassador Shelley Ware during a NAIDOC week webinar that spoke to the theme For Our Elders and team members also participated in a number of ILF events throughout the year.
“At Freshwater Farm, together with Brittney Paulson, we’re thrilled to have once again crafted a beautiful Limited-Edition Range for our bath and body care products in 2023. Thanks to the incredible support from our community and Woolworths supermarkets, we were able to make a substantial donation of $50,000 to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). This contribution enabled the ILF to acquire 5,000 culturally relevant books for children in remote Indigenous Communities. This partnership with the ILF is incredibly meaningful to our Freshwater Farm family, and we’re honoured to continue supporting their vital work for the second year in a row. For every limited-edition product purchased, Freshwater Farm donated 50 cents towards our $50,000 goal.”
“In 2023, through a portion of sales from our Enviroplus range of greener and healthier cleaning products, Abco donated $130,000 to the Book Supply program.
We also had the opportunity in June to celebrate the milestone of $160,000 donated since the start of our partnership with ILF (now over $230,000 to date).
Our Reconciliation Action Plan was also recently endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, and we look forward to continuing our Indigenous Engagement journey, with the relationship with ILF a critical part of this.
The Abco & Enviroplus team are passionate about our ongoing commitment to ILF and continuing to promote the amazing work being done by the ILF in partnership with remote Communities across the country.
We also greatly appreciate our customers who continue to support and promote ILF’s Book Supply program through their businesses and with their end customers.”
The team from Mineral Resources Limited, including Principal of Indigenous Engagement, Michelle Laylan.
“We are so proud of our continued partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and love watching their impact grow every year. UnLtd and our key partners are proud to have provided a total of $3,190,019 of in-kind support - primarily delivering pro bono media support to the Busking For Change and Indigenous Literacy Day campaigns. This campaign support is thanks to the partnership with Mindshare (part of GroupM) and delivered a whopping $2,126,096 of pro bono advertising across radio, tv, print, digital and out of home media channels. We also welcomed NOVA Entertainment and Tag/L&A Social as new partners of the ILF, with a commitment to donations and team fundraisers, campaign support and access to their team for skilled volunteering. Paramount Ten continued its strong support as well alongside Tonic Health Media and the AHTV network.”
“Wotton + Kearney is honoured to have ILF as our charity partner and work in partnership and work in partnership with the ILF team. Our partnership with ILF allows us to learn and celebrate the diverse and rich cultures and knowledges in First Nations Communities while contributing towards while contributing toward the distribution of books and the publication of First Nations content. We advocate, fundraise, and support ILF through various initiatives including our annual Sydney Charity Tennis Tournament and Melbourne Carnival, the Great Book Swap and ILF’s Melbourne and Sydney Trivia events. We are excited to embark on a hiking challenge in the Top End this September as part of our support of ILF’s Community Publishing program.”
At the end of the year, we were delighted to once again run our Trivia Nights in Sydney and Melbourne.
In Sydney, Leandlease donated the use of their space where our quizmaster was Richard Glover from 702 ABC Sydney. In Melbourne, we had the amazing Brian Nankervis hosting the event.
Between both events, we welcomed nearly 400 supporters, raised over $36,000, and had a lot of fun.
We are looking forward to welcoming more supporters to our 2024 events!
Learn a song, change the world.
Busking For Change is ILF’s newest fundraiser developed by ILF Ambassador Josh Pyke to engage primary school students in a multi-literacy activity incorporating song, music, movement and language.
The fundraising activity starts in the first week of term three and culminates with a performance or “Busking Day” on or around Indigenous Literacy Day, annually on the first Wednesday in September.
In its first year, the Busking For Change fundraiser had 145 registrations across Australia that raised over $81,000 for the ILF!
Funds raised by Busking For Change will be allocated to supporting more remote Communities to access and create books in a language they speak at home.
A big heartfelt thank you to all the participating schools across Australia.
For more information visit: buskingforchange.ilf.org.au
“Having books that share local stories in First Languages, preserves and maintains Indigenous languages and culture, as well as builds pride, identity and strengthens a sense of belonging, confidence and wellbeing,” says Dr Heiss, “and that’s why the ILF’s publishing program is so important”.
“The kids have been talking about what their favourite words are in Kriol, and even going home and sharing that with their friends and family, which is amazing.”
ELOISE, PERFORMING ARTS TEACHER AT SEAHOLME PRIMARY SCHOOL
“The kids were so engaged, and the atmosphere was mind blowing. It makes my heart sing when I hear students confidently pumping out words in Kriol, We jingim o wi tok tok, Wed gin tjeninjim dijam wel thatswai im, Jingabat brabliwei, because the students have not only learnt a new song, but they’ve also learnt words in an Aboriginal Language, a language that is widely spoken in the Northern parts of Australia.”
JOSH PYKE, ILF AMBASSADOR
“I’m blown away with the results of the fundraiser at our school! It has been so lovely to see and feel the school community come together over this cause. I think these kinds of results speak volumes about this charity and its programs. Thanks for all your hard work and efforts!”
AMITY CULVER FROM KENWICK SCHOOL.
At the University of Queensland (UQ) along the banks of Brisbane River, ILF Lifetime Ambassador Professor Anita Heiss AM, ILF Co-Patron Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO, ILF Founder Suzy Wilson AM and UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks launched another Great Book Swap UQ is an avid supporter of ILF and has hosted book swaps since 2017.
Dr Heiss acknowledged the influence that books have had in her life, both professionally and personally. She emphasised the importance of ILF being Community-led - supporting remote Communities to determine their children’s literacy journeys and publishing stories written by Communities in languages of their choice.
The Great Book Swap returned with excitement in 2023 with an amazing 545 registrations from schools, universities, early learning centres, social groups, corporates and individuals who collectively raised over $170,000!
The major launch was held at Sydney Taronga Zoo where over 80 First Nations primary school students from four Sydney schools participated in a Great Book Swap and learnt about possums (Wamparla, in Arabana language) and blue tongue lizards (Lungkara in Walmajarri language) with ILF Co-Chair Natalie Ahmat.
Schools that registered, hosted and submitted their funds by the end of June 2023, automatically went into the draw to win the early bird prize draw - a virtual visit from ILF Lifetime Ambassador and acclaimed author Andy Griffiths. Ashtonfield Public School, NSW, was the lucky winner and zoomed in from their classrooms to watch Andy - larger than life - as he regaled his love of creating stories.
Funds raised by Great Book Swaps support ILF to gift culturally relevant books to children and families in remote Communities.
A heartfelt thank you to all 2023 Great Book
Illustration from Country Tells Us When... by Tsheena Cooper, Mary Dann, Dalisa Pigram-Ross and Sheree Ford
“Engaging young readers in reading is a difficult task if they do not see themselves or their culture in the books they have. That is where ILF comes in. The work they have done and continue to do, so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can see themselves reflected in the books they read, is outstanding. Copyright Agency is incredibly fortunate to work closely with ILF, both from a partnership perspective but also counting ILF as one of our valued members. We are looking forward to another year of supporting the organisation and championing the incredible work they do.”
JOSEPHINE JOHNSTON, CEO, COPYRIGHT AGENCY
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s three core programs – Book Supply, Book Buzz and Community Publishing – focus on providing remote Indigenous Communities with literacy resources they request.
Total books gifted
timeline
Access to books in remote Communities is challenging, as there are often no libraries or bookstores. ILF’s Book Supply program meets this need by providing new, culturally relevant books to remote Communities across Australia. Schools, Community, health, and women’s centres working in remote Communities, can order books to distribute to children and families.
116,400
Total book packs
3,500
Book packs distributed by age group
950 Toddlers packs
950 Kids packs
850 Big Kids packs
750 Community packs
JANUARY
3,500 packs delivered to warehouse to await orders
FEBRUARY
MARCH
2,655 first release packs made available for ordering
• Invitation to order email sent to over 1,900 remote Community contacts
• Orders for first release packs start arriving
APRIL
First release packs start being dispatched from the warehouse
MAY
First release packs start arriving in Community
JUNE
Final orders for first release packs processed and dispatched (364 orders, 2,655 packs, 88,050 books, 389 Communities)
• Publishers invited to submit books for 2024 pack consideration
JULY
845 second release packs made available for ordering
• Invitation to order email sent to over 1,700* remote Community contacts
• Orders for second release packs start arriving
• Over 1,000 books from 50 publishers are received for 2024 pack consideration
• Book Supply Selection Panel meet to short-list books for the 2024 packs
AUGUST
Second release packs start being dispatched from the warehouse
• Titles for 2024 packs agreed upon and purchase orders placed with publishers for 136,800 books
SEPTEMBER
Second release packs start arriving in Community
OCTOBER
Final orders for second release packs processed and dispatched (185 orders, 845 packs, 28,350 books, 308 Communities)
NOVEMBER
Books for 2024 packs begin arriving at warehouse
DECEMBER 2024 pack assembly begins
*less contacts emailed in the second round as we were able to clean out invalid contacts as a result of the March mailout.
Book Buzz supports remote playgroups and collaborates with organisations such as Families as First Teachers (FaFT) in the Northern Territory and KindiLink in Western Australia. The program provides board books, picture books, and touch and feel books, some in English, some in English with Aboriginal Language translations, and others printed in a First Language.
• 2023 new resource kit for Book Buzz is Can you Dance? This kit focuses on the development of gross motor skills through movement. This essential development will aid in holistic growth of the children. Dance has always been a way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to tell their stories about the Land, animals, People and Ancestors. It is important for children’s developmental milestones to be nurtured through our resource kits. This kit is the first of a new series that will be slowly released each year based on Community feedback and needs shared with us.
• ILF has supported the TCHHS Cooktown Maternity unit with our Family Packs. The 0-5 years Family Packs have been used as a gift and to introduce families and children to books at their first postnatal visit. The 6 - 12 years Family Packs have been given to families that have older siblings. They encourage the children to practice reading the books for the arrival of their new sibling.
0-5 years Family Packs - 140 6-12 years Family Packs - 15
• In partnership with Vision Australia and Deaf Children Australia (DCA), ILF was able to to provide 3 Feelix Vision Kits and 50 DCA Platypus Playhouse kits across Australia. These kits contain resources to help children and families with their identified additional needs. Information about more resources that are available for Communities were also included in these kits.
Publishing Country Tells Us
When… in three different languages
Country Tells Us When… is a book from Western Australia that teaches readers all about how the Yawuru people read the six seasons. The Yawuru people are the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters in and around Rubibi (Broome). The story was created by educators Tsheena Cooper, Dalisa Pigram-Ross, Sheree Ford and FaFT parent Mary Dann for children throughout the Kimberley. In addition to the Yawuru edition, ILF also published Country Tells Us When… with Mangala and Karajarri translations for some of the surrounding Communities that share the same seasons. These books were launched amid much celebration at Cable Beach Primary School in Rubibi and with La Grange Remote Community School in Bidyadanga.
All the hard work by the creators of this book is not only recognised by Community, the ILF and readers, but also by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Country Tells Us When… has been listed as one of the CBCA 2024 Eve Pownall Award notable books.
This anthology comprises nine stories from the Northern Territory, told in the language of each Community – Murrinhpatha, Kunwinjku, Djambarrpuyŋu, Anindilyakwa, Wubuy, Kriol, Warumungu, Arrernte, Warlpiri – with an English translation.
This project was inspired by Djugurba, a collection of NT stories published by Aboriginal educators from across the territory in 1974. The process was highly collaborative, and the ILF was privileged to facilitate the work between Elders, translators, linguists, schools and Community.
“This book is written and illustrated by Aboriginal people from the coast, from the inland, from the flood plains, from the islands and from the desert. Children will learn about all these different places and know more about them. These stories are for children today and for children of future generations. These stories are old and new.”
PINPIRRITH MAJELLA CHULA, ELDER AND EDUCATOR.
We Look, We Find is a fun, colourful story about Country, and also the first time the Thanyanakwith language has been included in a commercially published children’s book. This book was created by the children and families of Napranum Early Childhood Centre in Far North Queensland. The book draws much of its language and knowledge from the language dictionary within Thanakupi’s Guide to Language and Culture, written by Community Elder Thanakupi.
The Translation Rights Project continues. In 2023 we released a collection of titles in Ngaanyatjarra created with Elder Beryl Jennings, including Hop A Little Jump A Little, Say Goodnight and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. The books were celebrated at a launch in Kalgoorlie.
The ILF’s popular board book Can You Dance? by Sally Morgan and Kathy Arbon also saw a new Miriwoong edition, Wanja warrg nemben? This project was completed with the Mirima Community and Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre (MDWg) in Kununurra, WA. Wanja warrg nemben? is ILF’s first book in Miriwoong – and we are to work on more projects with this Community.
In 2023, a team of ILF staff, Ann James (Ambassador), Ann Haddon (artist) and Lee Burgemeestre (designer) travelled to the Communities of Amanbidji and Bulla in the Northern Territory.
Josie Lardy, ILF Regional Program Coordinator recounts the trip: “This was the first time for me working with an ILF Ambassador. I had to drive 430 km (one way) from my home Community to meet the crew in Timber Creek. Each day for three days we’d drive a three-hour round trip to Amanbidji to start and work on their ideas and project with them. Then for the last two days of the week, Bulla was nice and close, only an hour round trip. It was a smaller and younger group, a few with high-needs learning. All children in these two Communities were engaged in the storytelling and illustrations. Some even connected with the ladies, giving them a hug when saying goodbye.”
“The mixing of laid back remote life and busyness of the big smoke was a great experience for our mob. And the introduction/refresher of technology was a wow! It’s so great that Stuart (DXC) wants to build a relationship not just a one off thing with this group which could help them with job opportunities in the future.”
JOSIE LARDY, PROGRAMS COORDINATORThe Pamela Lofts Bequest program for 2023 was a huge success. Seven participants from four Communities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory came together in Sydney to learn about digital art.
The group spent the first day with Adobe learning how to use their programs such as Photoshop and Adobe AI image generator.
The second day was spent at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) working with DXC Technology learning how to use Google Slides to create a presentation.
They had two solid days to work on creating a presentation that represented them or something they are interested in. The presentation itself was done at UTS 360 Demo Room, which is also a 360 3D room.
The presentations were amazing. ILF have invited the same group back for a follow up week in 2024. A debrief with ILF, Adobe and DXC will happen early December 2023 where we can lock in a date for the next PL program.
“One thing I like about the Pamela Lofts Bequest program is watching the participants experiment with new things then bring together old and new to tell their own stories and create their own art.”
TICTACMOORE, ILF PROGRAMS MANAGER
For the first time, ILF held two separate Create Initiative programs in the one calendar year. Our team headed up to the Wujal Wujal Community in Far North Queensland to meet and capture stories from Elders. Work on the stories captured will continue to be in 2024.
Create Tiwi was back in Sydney, and hosted by Hachette Australia. The participants had a great time and our Ambassadors Shelley Ware and David Lawrence were impressed by the work ethic, dedication and output of all the students.
“The only sad part of Create Week is saying goodbye to these amazing young authors before they fly back to Tiwi. Hopefully, all eight will return next year to take further gigantic strides forward with their literacy skills!”
DAVID LAWRENCE, ILF AMBASSADOR
We are very grateful for the trust that has been established over the years with the remote Communities we support and their willingness to engage wholeheartedly with our team. We are honoured and humbled to be able to assist and support their literacy journeys, in ways they wish. To our corporate partners and sponsors, individual donors, Trusts and Foundations, other not-for-profit organisations and volunteers that continue to stand by our side, we could not do this without you. A special mention and heartfelt thank you to long term volunteers Sonia Palmisano, Janet Hutchinson and Michelle Barr.
Thank you
Johnston Foundation
Mitsubishi Corporation
Pan Macmillan
Penguin Random House
Hachette Australia
Isuzu UTE Australia Pty Ltd
Grace Worldwide (Australia) Pty Ltd
MAJOR SUPPORTERS
Libraries Board of South Australia
Network Ten
ABC
Emu Trekkers Ltd
ARA Group Endowment
Brent & Vicky Emmett Giving Fund
Donnelly Garner Foundation
Elizabeth & Barry Davies Charitable Foundation
Henson Foundation
The Danks Trust
SMEC
Ball Family
Hendercare
Omni Executive Pty Ltd
1010 Printing
Susan McKinnon Foundation
The Flying Beetroot
Lend Lease Office Portfolio
Allura Partners
MFS International Australia Pty Ltd
Publish Central
David & Miriam Sitsky Foundation
The Pinshaw Family Foundation
John & Myriam Wylie Foundation
Deloitte Australia
Harry Kestin Foundation
Lanluas Consulting
Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd
Australian College of Commerce & Management
RELX Cares
Simpsons Solicitors
Quinn Femelle Private Ancillary Fund
Rado Foundation
Ian and Alison McKenzie Family Foundation
Sydney Opera House
ACME Foundation
Jon & Jon Medical Consulting
Pinnacle Charitable Foundation
Five V/Capital
Oracle
Freshwater Farm Australia
BOOKSTORES
Riverbend Books
Readings Bookstores
Avid Reader
Berkelouw Bookstores
Gleebooks
Grace
Abco Products
UnLtd
The Tar-Ra Fund
IntoWork Australia
Envato Foundation
Harry Hartog Bookstores
Kinokuniya Sydney
Matilda Bookshop
Potts Point Bookshop
Constant Reader Bookshop
Fullers Hobart
Beaufort Street Books
Bookoccino
Where the Wild Things Are
AUSTRALIAN BOOK INDUSTRY
Allen & Unwin
Magabala Books
Hardie Grant
HarperCollins Publishers Australia
Arffirm Press
Batchelor Press
Berbay Books
Blackbooks
Boolarong Press
Budburra Books
Child’s Play
Children’s Ground
CSIRO Publishing
Fremantle Press
Gestalt Publishing
Larrikin House
Lonely Planet
NewSouth Books
Scholastic Australia
Simon & Schuster Australia
Spitting Image
UQP
Walker Books Australia
Wild Dog Books
Wiley
ALS Library Services
BookPeople
Australian Publishers Association
Australia Society of Authors
Australia
Library and Information Association
Children’s Book Council of Australia
Rockpool Publishing
Romance Writer’s Festival
BookPeople
The Disney Company and Parragon Books
Byron Writer’s Festival
Better Reading
There is a wealth of inspiring fundraising stories to tell, making it challenging to narrow it down to just four. We are deeply appreciative of the countless organisations and individuals who generously contributed to fundraising efforts in 2023.
Travel + Leisure Co.
The Australian Travel + Leisure Co. team supports a new charity every six months and chose the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in the second half of 2023. The team took part in a webinar on the important work of ILF, held a dress-up day where staff came to work in their favourite book characters during Indigenous Literacy Day, fundraised through workplace giving, and conducted a huge endof-year raffle. The business offered to match donations and contributed financial prizes to the raffle.
“At Travel + Leisure Co., we care for and are committed to the Communities around us. Within our team, we are taking greater strides to improve opportunities for First Nations people, and we were pleased to help ILF do the same.”
SARAH KORIN, SENIOR DIRECTOR, EVENTS AND BRAND COMMUNICATIONS
“Blue Island Press is extremely proud to support the ILF through sales of our Christmas and Bookmark card range. The ILF’s work with remote Indigenous Communities is truly inspiring, and we are committed to making a positive impact.
It is a privilege to be part of this collaborative effort, and we are grateful to our customers who have embraced our ILF card range, enabling us to make a real difference.”
TOBY GERRISH
“The ASA congratulates ILF on another wonderful year. As an author organisation, we admire the work of ILF to not only provide books to remote Communities, but also to assist Communities publish their own books in First Languages. Every author knows how essential it is for readers to see themselves and their culture reflected in the stories they read. We wholeheartedly support ILF’s promotion of reading and delivery of Community-led projects which nurture and celebrate First Nations’ languages and culture.”
OLIVIALANCHESTER, CEO, AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF AUTHORS (ASA)
THE INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION LTD
ABN: 45 146 631 843
ILF is an independent charity with DGR Status. We raise all our income independently, without government support. In the past thirteen years we have raised over $32 million to support our programs. Using best practice guidelines for charities, the majority of funding received was spent on the delivery of programs. In 2024 our target is $6.2 million.
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ending 31 December 2023
INCOME STREAMS INCLUDING DONATIONS
DONATIONS BY SOURCE COST STRUCTURE 2023
BOOKSELLERS CORP & COMMUNITY
2023 2022
COSTS 2023
Wayne Quilliam, Joseph Mayers, Justine Taylor, Community members and, ILF supporters
ILLUSTRATION
Country Tells Us When..., Moli det bigibigi, NT Mob Sharing Stories in Language
Thank you for helping us to share our story. Copyright © Indigenous Literacy Foundation, 2023
