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2025 impact report

ILF Impact Report 2025

WISDOMS AND KNOWLEDGES

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.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this report contains names and images of people who have passed away.

Acknowledgement 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, histories, knowledges and connections 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 Custodians of the Lands on which our head office is based in Warrane/Sydney.

Ngaanyanatjarra Country

ILF Impact Report 2025

2025 impact report

53 2

ILF Impact Report 2025

1 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 17 18 20 22 27 28 30 36 39 40 44 48 51 52 58 59 60 62 64

Acknowledgement Our story, mission and purpose 20th Year Advocacy Letter from the CEO Our Board Our Patrons and Founder

Ambassadors Where we work The year in numbers Staff movements Theory of Change Book Buzz Book Supply Community Publishing Create Initiative and Pamela Lofts Talent Pathways Community stories Fundraising Corporate fundraisers Norway trip

Indigenous Literacy Day Busking For Change Great Book Swap Appreciation Community fundraisers Financials

ILF Impact Report 2025

Our Story

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation began in 2004 when our Founder, Suzy Wilson, ran the Riverbend Readers’ Challenge, which raised money to distribute books to remote Communities. In 2007, this initiative became the Indigenous Literacy Project (ILP) in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation, and in 2011, it became the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF).

ambition

The ILF’s ambition is to provide remote Indigenous Communities with the literacy resources they request to support their aspirations for Community and Culture.

For almost 20 years, the ILF has transformed from these humble beginnings to the national charity of the Australian Book Industry, driving innovation and positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The ILF has become a model of success to First Nations Peoples around the globe to invest in their own languages and cultures through literacy.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Students on Ngaanyanatjarra Country

purpose

Our purpose is to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, providing 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.

values

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. ILF Impact Report 2025

20 Years of ILF

2004

• Riverbend Readers’ Challenge launched, created by Suzy Wilson of Riverbend Bookshop with the aim of raising funds to improve literacy outcomes in remote Australia

In 2004, Suzy Wilson, the

owner of Riverbend Books in Brisbane and a woman who is driven to create change, launched the Riverbend Readers’ Challenge, raising funds to gift books to 3 remote Communities.

2007

Three years later, in , the Riverbend Readers’ Challenge partnered with the Fred Hollows Foundation to become the Indigenous Literacy Project and the first Indigenous Literacy Day was celebrated.

Twenty years later, ILF stands as

• Partnered with Fred Hollows Foundation • The Riverbend Reader’s Challenge became the Indigenous Literacy Project auspiced by Fred Hollows • The very first Indigenous Literacy Day is celebrated

a national charity that has delivered over 1 million books to 500 remote Communities, published more than 235 titles, many in First Languages, and received global recognition, being awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

2007

2011

• The Indigenous Literacy Project became the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, continuing to work with Fred Hollows • Community Publishing Projects launched

ILF Impact Report 2025

2020

• Digital pivot to continue connection during COVID • Digital Indigenous Literacy Day events launched • Video tutorials and QR codes created on books to support children and families during COVID

2019

• 440,000th Book Delivered to remote Communities since inception • Ninety-two books published across 19 different languages • Forty-five Book Buzz sites equipped with new learning resources

2025

1,000,000th book delivered through the Book Supply program, supporting over 500 Communities and 235 books published across 45 languages

2024

• Won Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for children’s literature

2027

• The 20th year marks the 20th Indigenous Literacy Day and 20th Anniversary of the work of the Foundation

The Next 20

While the ILF has achieved so much in the last 20 years, we look forward to the next chapter, where we will continue to celebrate remote Communities and provide access to even more books as well as connection to Culture, Language and Community. ILF Impact Report 2025

Ngaanyanatjarra Country

ILF Impact Report 2025

advocacy

Advocacy is one of the most important functions of the ILF The ILF, in partnership with an ever-growing number of remote Communities around Australia, continues to chart a course towards a future that prioritises the literacy aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We ensure our programs remain free from government funding, focusing on securing ethical, appropriate and sustainable funding that aligns with the values of the Communities we serve. We remain wholeheartedly committed to the belief that lived experience is the key to identifying the right resourcing to ensure that all Communities have opportunities through literacy. Being Community-led is more than a slogan to the ILF. It is critical to our success and we acknowledge the wisdoms and expertise of lived experience, ensuring that the diverse cultures and knowledges are represented in every aspect of our organisation.

LED BY COMMUNITY

We have 4 remote staff and 1 regional team member, living and working in Community, helping us to ensure that our work remains led by Community, for Community. Since winning the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2024, the ILF has used this global attention to advocate for greater acknowledgement of the important and impactful literacy work being led by remote Indigenous Communities across Australia. As part of the global First Nations’ Peoples, the ILF has been sharing our learning and experience to support growing First Nations language publishing and literacy around the world. As the ILF’s advocacy and influence grows through the broad support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities around Australia, we continue to challenge the broader Book Industry toward full representation of the diverse Communities and a future of full participation. The ILF stands by its ongoing commitment to the over 500 Indigenous Communities that we serve, standing beside them in partnership and using all platforms available to us to champion, celebrate and centre their work and vision for the future. Advocacy for the ILF is more than words but the actions and deliverables of our everyday business. For almost 2 decades, remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities have invested their knowledges, widsoms, stories, cultures and languages into our organisation to enable us to support their literacy futures. In return, the ILF invests back into Community through books, royalties, opportunities and support in employment and income. We remain fully committed to delivering our work and investing long-term in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Words from the CEO

Yamandhu Marang, Firstly, I would like to acknowledge and share my deepest gratitude to all of you who continue to be part of the story. Thank you to the growing group of passionate, talented and dedicated staff, Board members, Ambassadors, Community partners, supporters and donors who I have the privilege of working beside each and every day. In 2025, the ILF continued on its planned and predicted growth trajectory through expansion in the delivery of our programs, the implementation of the inaugural Talent Pathways, the publication of books, and the increase in the number of Communities supported. The ILF has continued to expand into new regions across WA, SA, NSW, the NT and QLD. This growth has been driven largely by the Book Supply program, along with rising awareness and interest in the ILF’s Community Publishing work. Increased delivery targets have been supported by strong revenue growth, with the ILF raising $6.8 million in the 2025 calendar year.

Some of the major achievements of 2025 include: •

Delivering 148,300 culturally relevant books into 525 remote Communities through our Book Supply program

•

Publishing 22 books representing 14 languages through our Community Publishing work

•

Running 1 Create Initiative and 1 Pamela Lofts Bequest program in Alice Springs (Mpwarntwe)

•

Launching the Talent Pathways pilot program

•

Reaching 233,044 individuals on the Indigenous Literacy Day livestream

We also received awards and recognition for our work and for the Communities we represent, including: •

The Moon Story won the Karajia Award for Children’s Literature (Picture Fiction)

•

bagan, barra barra, mirriwarr was shortlisted for the Karajia Award (Picture Fiction)

•

ngayawanj bagan-nggul, ngayawanj barra barra-nggul was shortlisted for the Karajia Award (Non-Fiction)

•

Our organisation won the Real Media Awards 2025 for the Foreign Rights Book Catalogue

In addition to these achievements, the ILF proudly launched its rebrand, showcasing a new logo, visual identity artwork and merchandise, proudly designed by remote Community artists. The branding project has been a careful and collaborative process involving ILF staff, remote artists who have participated in our programs and Cause/ Affect, a Creative Agency led by Waanyi and Kalkadoon woman, Keisha Leon. The ILF took to the international stage in 2025 at the Bologna Book Fair in Italy, the World Literacy Summit in the UK, WEXFO and the Norwegian Literature Festival in Lillehammer Norway, and the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Auckland New Zealand. We welcomed 6 new staff to our team, delivered our 1 millionth book through the Book Supply program, reached the milestone of $220,000 in royalty payments being paid to remote authors and illustrators, and developed ILF’s strategic plan for 2026-2028. In September, Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) reached 233,044 viewers across in-person, live-streamed and recorded events, showcasing Indigenous literacy and excellence. Three remarkable remote Communities, Warakurna, Katherine and Ceduna, brought

ILF Impact Report 2025

Illustration from Ngali Nga Balun, Ngali Nga Jugun by Baryulgil Community

the 2025 theme Strength in our Stories: For Now & Future Generations to life in the ILD Film. We also launched the book Grinj det K’Taun Krok!, written by Katherine High School students during an ILF workshop with David Lawrence in 2024. Each year, ILF continues to grow in significance, showcasing and celebrating the diverse stories, cultures and languages of different Communities around Australia. The ILF continues to make strategic investments in operational and governance best practices, ensuring the organisation’s growth remains agile and continues to deliver strong impact. The ILF currently works with 525 remote Communities across Australia in accessing quality, culturally appropriate books and literacy resources, supporting the literacy aspirations of remote Australia. As the ILF has grown in size, service delivery, and reach, it has become increasingly important to build comprehensive governance capacity to support this growth, ensure continued transparency, and continually evaluate risk. It is our priority to continue aligning with Community desires and to be responsive to Community voices and demands. The proactive implementation of governance capacity and systems has ensured this, allowing us to grow with confidence and remain true to our purpose and values. The ILF is a not-for-profit organisation, but we are moving toward becoming a forpurpose business. Funds are targeted as investments and measured in returns. This change of mindset over the past few years has seen a comprehensive understanding of the full return on investments in the multiple waves of program impact that influences multiple generations. The Book Supply program purchases and distributes hundreds of thousands of books to remote Communities across Australia, making this program the largest curated list of books in Australia. The ILF is a unique organisation operating in diverse environments around Australia. The scale of this reach is something we are most proud of and a privilege we do not take for granted. As the ILF moves into the next phase of our strategy, we continue our pledge to expand services responsibly, ensuring the prioritisation of deep relationships built over time rather than rapid short-term expansion.

With this in mind, the ILF’s ambitions and key priorities for 2026 are to: •

Publish at least 30 books in at least 14 First Languages

•

Deliver 3 Create Initiative programs and 1 Pamela Lofts Bequest project

•

Continue the second year of the pilot Talent Pathways

•

Complete the first full program of Talent Pathways with the current participants

•

Deliver a Pamela Lofts Bequest program in Western Australia for the first time

•

Explore new market opportunities for existing publishing titles, including international markets

•

Create more paid opportunities for ILF program participants

•

Expand current delivery regions while deepening relationships with current Communities

•

Strengthen ILF’s advocacy voice to support the vision of Indigenous literacy, led by our Communities

I thank each and every person or organisation who has donated time, money or expertise. Without your commitment, none of what we have achieved this year would have been possible. It is with deep gratitude that I acknowledge the privileged position the ILF holds, trusted with the futures of young people and the journey of their literacy. Thank you for your commitment to be part of the story and for making the investment in literacy – an investment in equity and future opportunities.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Co-Chairs Kapu goiga || Good day As someone who spends much of my working life sharing stories, I’m always interested in what sits behind the headlines – the deeper story. For the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, that story is one of steady growth, strong governance, and a shared commitment to making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have access to books and stories that reflect who they are and where they come from.

Natalie Ahmat Co-Chair

Over the past year, the ILF Board has continued to focus on strengthening the foundations that support the organisation’s growth. As the ILF expands its reach and impact, it’s critical we have the right structures in place to guide that journey. The establishment of Board sub-committees, including the Indigenous Cultural Governance Committee, is an important part of that, helping ensure strong oversight, accountability and a clear focus on Community. We’ve also continued to grow the Board itself, guided by a skills-based approach to recruitment. That’s about making sure we have the right mix of experience, expertise and cultural knowledge around the table to support the ILF’s next phase. This year we farewelled farewelled 2 directors Gavin Williams and Jillian Bowie. I’d like to thank them both for their contribution, insight and support during their time with the ILF. We also welcomed Jade Ritchie to the Board. A proud Gooreng Gooreng woman with deep experience across Indigenous affairs, sustainability and economic development, Jade brings strong leadership and a real commitment to Community, and we’re excited to have her join us. The Board has also been focused on shaping the ILF’s next chapter, with the development of the organisation’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2028. This work is grounded in the aspirations of the Communities we partner with and will guide the organisation’s continued, considered growth.

Jacqui Payne Co-Chair

Beyond the Boardroom, it’s been wonderful to see the continued energy and enthusiasm of our Ambassadors, supporters and partners at events and across the many initiatives that bring the ILF’s work to life. There is real momentum building across the country around the importance of literacy, language and storytelling, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of. Of course, none of this happens without people. The ILF team continues to do extraordinary work, building strong, respectful relationships with Communities and delivering real impact. My thanks also to my fellow Board Directors, our Ambassadors, staff, volunteers, donors and partners – and most importantly, to the Communities we work alongside. It’s that collective effort – the shared belief in the power of stories – that continues to drive us forward. As we look ahead to the ILF’s 20 year anniversary in 2027, it’s a chance to reflect on the journey so far, and to look forward with real optimism and excitement about what comes next. Natalie Ahmat ILF Co-Chair

ILF Impact Report 2025

OUR BOARD 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nicole Abadee

Amara Barnes

Farewell

Julie Burland

Helene Byfield

Gavin Williams

Jade Ritchie

Thomas Mayo

Jillian Bowie

Illustration from On the Way to Yalaŋbara by Rärriwuy Gurramu Marika & Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs

ILF Impact Report 2025

our patrons We are honoured to have 2 incredible leaders as Co-Patrons to the Foundation JUNE OSCAR AO What fills me with hope is seeing our Communities lead. More than ever, we have witnessed First Nations people step forward to tell their own stories, in their own words, in their own languages – taking ownership of how their cultures are shared and passed on. When our children grow up seeing their cultures valued and celebrated, they develop a deeper understanding of the world around them – the social conditions that shape their lives, the knowledge systems that have sustained us for generations, and the tools they need to create a better future. Literacy, in this fullest sense, is how we reweave the social fabric of our Communities. It is how we raise young people who not only know who they are, but who understand how the world works and how to change it for the better. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has created the conditions for this to flourish, and the result is something remarkable. The strength of our Communities is undeniable, and the future we are building together is one worth celebrating.

HON. QUENTIN BRYCE AD, CVO I’m enormously proud to be Co-Patron of the ILF. It makes my heart sing, the way that, 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 at the ILF shine through. I love the way the 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.

Our Founder

SUZY WILSON AM The Indigenous Literacy Foundation attracts remarkable people to its door. Over the past 2 decades this has included generous donors, exceptional volunteer Board members, a dedicated staff team, many committed volunteers, and an extraordinary group of Ambassadors who generously share their expertise with us. It is important to acknowledge that the collective support of the Australian Book Industry made it possible for this Foundation to become firmly established. We remain deeply grateful to the industry, publishing houses, booksellers and professional associations, for their continued championing of ILF and its work. Our volunteers give the most precious gifts of all — their time, energy and expertise — along with their steadfast support for our belief that reading can open doors. In an increasingly fractured world, their commitment reminds us that when people come together with purpose and goodwill, meaningful and lasting change is possible. The ILF continues to champion the opportunities that literacy creates for children and families in the Communities we work with, supporting brighter aspirations and stronger futures. All of our partners bring generous hearts and goodwill to this shared endeavour. As Board member Thomas Mayo recently observed, this organisation, with its focus on literacy, “has become a beacon of hope in troubled times.” In 2026, we invite you to help keep the literacy flame burning, to champion the power of reading, and to join us in shaping a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive through literacy.”

Illustration from On the Way to Yalaŋbara by Rärriwuy Gurramu Marika & Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs

ILF Impact Report 2025

OUR AMBASSADORS

NEW AMBASSADORS

Lucas Proudfoot

Anh Do

Tehya Makani

Tammy Abala

Shane Tipuamantatmerri

Bronte Charles

Mia Speed

Alison Lester AM

Shelley Ware

Justine Clarke

Josh Pyke

NEW COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS

NEW YOUTH AMBASSADORS

AMBASSADORS

Dr Debra Dank

Dr Anita Heiss AM

Vale David Malouf

Andy Griffiths

Richard Flanagan

Thomas Weatherall

Ryhia Dank

Wayne Quilliam

Kim Scott

Gregg Dreise

Jessica Mauboy

Emma Donovan

Dr Jared Thomas

Dr Kirsten Banks

Bianca Hunt

Ann James AM

David Lawrence

DOBBY

ork Where we w

Since 2011, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation has:

• Gifted over 1 million books to remote Communities through our Book Supply program. • Implemented our early literacy program, Book Buzz, into 116 remote playgroups.

• Published 235 titles featuring 45 Indigenous languages. ILF Impact Report 2025

Illustration from On the Way to Yalaŋbara by Rärriwuy Gurramu Marika & Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs

Had 11 books supported by our generous sponsors

Worked with 102 schools on

Ran 2 mentorship workshops and 3 Talent Pathways workshops, involving:

8 adults in the Pamela Lofts program

6 students from Tiwi College in the Create program

5 young adults on Talent Pathways program

Our Australia Post partnership is in it’s 6th year, with deeper integration than ever

Worked with

525

148,300

books delivered to Communities through

4,100

Communities packs

the year in

numbers

Engaged 251 volunteers through Festive Gift Wrapping

Published 22 books in 14 languages Reached 14 million people through overall media

Had our stories featured in over

300

media items

Reached the milestone of

$220,000

sent out to remote Communities in book sale royalties since

2021

Reached over 4.5 million people on social media 18

ILF Impact Report 2025

2025 Milestones

Raised over $190,000 through the

GREAT BOOK SWAP Hosted 1 Had 445 people attend our Trivia Nights

Had 233,044 people watch our

Livestream

Sold 3,312 books, worth

$63,904

Recruited 7 new Ambassadors, Community Ambassadors and Youth Ambassadors Hosted 1

Supported 6 workshops and 7 Community visits and book launches

Initiative

Worked with

116

Raised

playgroups through

Delivered our

$6.8

million for our programs

Supported 5 participants representing 4 Communities through our inaugural

Created 10 digital editions of books, making them available to libraries worldwide

1,000,000th book through

Provided 40,001 mini book copies of Can You Dance? for the for the Victorian education ‘Kinder Kits’ ILF Impact Report 2025

our growing team New staff appointments:

The ILF team has experienced immense growth in 2025 to keep up with the increasing demand for our programs. We welcomed 6 new staff members to the Marketing, Fundraising, Programs, Publishing and Admin teams.

Darren Moncrieff In January 2025, Darren joined the ILF to steer the

2-year pilot Talent Pathways. Darren brings many years experience in working with Community in his various roles across Indigenous media. He is passionate about helping youth prosper in society. “I wanted to join the ILF after having seen firsthand their work with Community. The ILF prioritises Community and young people and the books are tangible proof. I just wanted to be part of this.”

Hailey Ngo Hailey joined ILF in July 2025 as Financial Planning &

Analysis Manager, bringing a strong background in finance and experience across complex, impactdriven organisations. She has built her career translating complex data into actionable insights, drawing connections between financial information and the broader outcomes it supports. “I’m passionate about using data to tell stories that numbers on their own cannot. As both Vietnamese and Australian, I understand how important it is for Communities to have their histories and experiences carried and expressed by the people to whom they belong.”

Holly Doran Holly is ILF’s in-house graphic book designer,

having experience across a broad range of design fields, including packaging, magazines, and branding, with a particular love for print-based storytelling. Her role as a children’s book designer with the ILF has been an especially meaningful and rewarding experience. As the parent of an 11-year-old son, Holly has loved sharing the books she works on with him, watching how stories spark curiosity, imagination, and connection. “I’m excited to bring stories to life through considered design, carefully balancing illustration, typography,

and layout to support each narrative. I’m proud to work with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, supporting access to books and helping create meaningful reading experiences for children in Communities across Australia.”

ILF Impact Report 2025

Tegan Morrison In February 2025, Tegan Morrison joined the ILF as

Production Controller. She has 20 years’ experience in publishing, having worked for HarperCollins, Penguin and Hachette among others. Tegan feels incredibly fortunate to be part of an organisation working with First Nations children and Communities. “It’s a privilege to work for the ILF. Being part of things like Indigenous Literacy Day is a joy, watching children celebrate their connection to family, culture, language, Community and Country.”

Tammy Collins Tammy joined the ILF in 2025 as Head of Marketing,

bringing more than 20 years of experience across media, brand, marketing, advertising and strategic communications, including previous roles at Nine, ARN and eBay. Known for her quiet, strengths-based leadership, Tammy has built a career creating campaigns that engage people and drive meaningful outcomes. “I’m guided by a deep commitment to social justice. Being able to leverage my experience to contribute to positive and long-term impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Communities is a privilege I carry with care.”

Debbie Parry Debbie joined us as Head of Fundraising, bringing

experience across notfor-profit fundraising and strategic partnerships, including her role as National Strategic Partnerships Manager at Lifeline Australia. With a background in national and international business development and account management, Debbie is passionate about storytelling and creating meaningful connections between donors and initiatives that support lasting social impact. “Most days, I pinch myself that I get to work with such an authentic, gracious, and determined group of people, who truly do impactful, long-

Danny Phaboutdy Danny is our welcoming front-of-house Office

Coordinator who is employed by both Hachette and the ILF. He provides administrative support to all ILF departments and is the first point of contact for all external enquiries. “It’s a genuine privilege to work alongside a team so full of passion for the work that they do. After many years in retail, stepping into this role has opened up a whole new world for me. I’m truly grateful and excited to be part of the ILF team, to keep growing in the role, and to help bring meaningful stories to life for everyone to enjoy.”

lasting work.”

Changes to Job Titles

• Zoe Cassim - Director, Programs and Publishing • Tictac Moore - Head of Programs • David Stewart - Director of Fundraising • Emma Toomey - Marketing Manager • Ella Schofield - Campaign and Communications Manager • Fernanda Faustino Digital Marketing Coordinator • Krista Brydges Fundraising Officer Events and Regular Giving • Marj Hutchinson Fundraising Officer Community and Education • Rosa Mazzapica Fundraising Officer - WPG and Corporate

ILF Impact Report 2025

The ILF’s ambition is to provide remote Indigenous Communities with the literacy resources they request to shape their aspirations for Community and culture. Our strategy to achieve this is based on the theory of change.

Illustration from On the Way to Yalaŋbara by Rärriwuy Gurramu Marika & Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs

ILF Impact Report 2025

“Each year, I am inspired by the incredible impact the ILF has across Australia.

Literacy creates a lasting legacy for good, a belief we hold strongly at Penguin Random House. The ILF powerfully demonstrates what literacy can achieve when it is Community-led, culturallygrounded and shaped by local voices. While this year marks 10 years since our annual donation was formalised, our relationship stretches back to the beginning, reflecting a shared belief in sustained, long-term commitment. Beyond the impact of our support, we are especially proud of collaborations such as translating much-loved stories into First Languages. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead and supporting this essential work.”

JULIE BURLAND, CEO, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

Ngaanyatjarra Country

our programs “The ILF continues to make a real difference, connecting children and families with books, stories and language in ways that are thoughtful and Community-led. Programs like Book Supply and Book Buzz show what’s possible when access to books is paired with respect for culture and place. We are proud to support the ILF and the vital role it plays in strengthening literacy, storytelling and a love of reading.” ROBYN HUPPERT, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, AUSTRALIAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION

ILF Impact Report 2025

Illustration from Dig, Chop, Shake by Timothy Nabegeyo and children from Djalama Clan with Sandra Lees

Book Buzz is our early-learning program that supports playgroups around the country with books and resources to facilitate play-based learning.

116 Communities: NT = 69 WA = 27 SA = 11 QLD = 7 NSW = 2

4,213 Total participants

This program aims to develop familiarity and engagement with books for children under 5 through regular, dedicated Story Time sessions, helping them develop critical pre-literacy skills. Our team also provides the opportunity for many remote Communities to translate popular books into First Languages, allowing children to start their literacy journey with books in the languages spoken in their homes and for these titles to be included in our Book Buzz catalogues for remote families to access. Book Buzz was created in collaboration with remote Communities, for remote Communities. In 2025, Communities had 6 kits available, including the newest kit based on the Can You Dance? book by Sally Morgan and Kathy Arbon. Children enjoyed the resources, using the finger puppets to act out the book’s animal movements and the scarves to dance. The large-format Can You Dance? book is another tool used alongside the resource kit to enhance the children’s learning. The resource kit focuses on children developing their gross and fine motor skills, aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework Australia.

ILF Impact Report 2025

our programs

Kids from Katherine primary school created this banner to celebrate the delivery of our 1,000,000th book

In 2025, the ILF’s Book Supply program hit the milestone of delivering its millionth book to Community. This book was received and celebrated in Katherine, Northern Territory – a Community with a longstanding partnership with the ILF, and which also acts a meeting point for many other Communities in that region.

We reached a record number of Communities in 2025, with Book Supply being delivered to 525 Communities. 28

Total books gifted in 2025

148,300 to 525 Communities

ILF Impact Report 2025

Journey of a Book Supply book Books received from publishers ready to be considered for Book Supply 2026

The annual Book Supply timeline FEBRUARY • Online ordering page updated with 2025 catalogues and images • Assembly of 4,100 packs completed and moved into warehouse stock MARCH • First release packs made available for ordering, approximately 70% of total packs • ‘Invitation to order’ email sent to nearly 1,900 remote Community contacts • Orders for first release packs start arriving

Delivery of one of our 4 book packs to Community with the help of Australia Post

APRIL • First release packs start being dispatched from the warehouse • First release packs start arriving in Community JUNE • Publishers invited to submit books for 2026 pack consideration • Over 1,200 books from 45 publishers are received for 2026 pack consideration • Final orders for first release packs processed: 401 orders, 2,906 packs, 104,961 books, 466 Communities JULY • Selection Panel meet to short-list books for the 2026 packs

Children receive their book pack

Total book packs

4,100

Where packs are distributed

5.6%

Book packs distributed by age group

1,100

Toddlers packs

1,100

Kids packs

1000

Big Kids packs

900

27.4% Western Australia

7.5%

SEPTEMBER • Purchase order placed with publishers for 150,200 books for the 2026 packs • Second release packs start being dispatched from the warehouse

New South Wales

34.6% Northern Territory

South Australia

24.7% Queensland

AUGUST • Remaining 2026 stock made available to order in second release • Invitation to order email sent to remote Community contacts • 139 titles from 33 publishers selected for 2026 packs • Orders for second release of packs start arriving

0.2% Tas

Young Adults packs ILF Impact Report 2025

OCTOBER • Second release packs start arriving in Community NOVEMBER • Books for 2026 packs begin arriving at warehouse DECEMBER • Final orders for second release packs processed: 274 orders, 1,194 packs, 43,339 books to 385 Communities • Collateral (postcards, labels, posters, flyers) for 2026 packs designed and ordered

our programs “As booksellers with 50 years’ experience, we at Gleebooks can safely say that no organisation has more richly fulfilled our goal to support literacy programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The ILF’s work in and with remote Indigenous Communities is invaluable, and the Book Industry’s whole-hearted support, from authors, illustrators, publishers and booksellers is indicative of just how important the ILF’s work is.” DAVID GAUNT, OWNER, GLEEBOOKS

Illustration from Ngali Nga Balun, Ngali Nga Jugun: Our River, Our Country by Baryulgil Public School

ILF Impact Report 2025

THIS YEAR OUR TEAM • Published 22 books in

14 languages

• Had 11 books supported by generous sponsors

Launching books about Country throughout Australia

• Provided 40,001 mini book copies of Can You

Dance? for the Victorian education ‘Kinder Kits’

• Facilitated 6 workshops

WE CELEBRATED THAT • The Moon Story won the Karajia Award for

Children’s Literature

• bagan, barra barra,

mirriwarr was shortlisted for the Karajia Award

• ngayawanj bagan-nggul, ngayawanj barra barra-

nggul was shortlisted for the Karajia Award

Each year, we launch books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about connections to Country and remote Community life throughout Australia. These books carry on the stories of our Ancestors, engage children in reading through cultural relevance, document culture, and celebrate remote Community life and First Languages. In 2025, we published 22 amazing, original books. Among these was a book from Baryulgil Public School, located on Bundjalung Country, titled Ngali Nga Balun, Ngali Nga Jugun: Our River, Our Country. It was a momentous occasion to see the whole Community come together and show so much love for the book at their book launch in October 2025. The children were extremely proud and excited to share their artwork at the launch, and ILF Editor Nea and Book Designer Holly were able to attend to witness how much the project meant to the Community.

Ngali Nga Balun, Ngali Nga Jugun: Our River, Our Country Illustrator Elouise Walker

Ngali Nga Balun, Ngali Nga Jugun: Our River, Our Country Author Lynette Donnelly and brother Dion Donnelly ILF Impact Report 2025

our programs

In addition to publishing, the ILF contributed to 6 workshops across the continent. In Warakurna, WA the ILF team supported writing and illustration workshops on Ngaanyatjarra Country for the upcoming release My Walk Through the Seasons on Ngaanyatjarra Country. Publishing Projects Editor, Cindy and [then] Head of Publishing, Nicola, represented ILF in the global market as part of Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2025 for a second time, where we were honoured as the 2024 International Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate.

Above and middle photo: Students from Warakurna

Publishing Team in Bolonga for the Bolonga Children’s Book Fair

ILF Impact Report 2025

First Sentier Sponsorship of Counting Crocodiles As a part of ILF’s Community Publishing, First Sentier proudly sponsored the creation of Counting Crocodiles, a board book by the students at Bulla Camp Primary School in Northern Territory.

“Supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s publication of Counting Crocodiles has been a genuinely special project for the First Sentier Group Foundation. We loved that something so simple and joyful could also be so powerful, combining early numeracy with cultural connection and pride. The book was warmly embraced by our employees, many of whom shared it with their families, making the impact feel personal and purposeful. Most importantly, the ILF’s Community‑led approach to authorship – ensuring royalties flowing back to Community – strongly reflects our values and our belief that the best outcomes come from partnerships built on respect. We commend the ILF, the Community authors and the illustrators for creating a book that will be held, read and cherished by children and families for years to come.”

ANDREA MASSELOS, FIRST SENTIER INVESTORS

For the first time ever, an ILF book was stocked on Big W shelves, a major achievement for the Community Publishing team and organisation as a whole. Counting Crocodiles from Bulla NT was made easily accessible to a national audience as a result of it being stocked in a major retail chain.

ILF Impact Report 2025

2025 published titles

ILF Impact Report 2025

s Loft

Pamela

our programs

Pamela Lofts Bequest This year’s Pamela Lofts Bequest program was run in Mpwarntwe (Alice Springs), Arrernte Country, for the first time since the program started. The decision to locate the program in Mpwarntwe this year was made to ensure the Communities involved are those with which Pamela Lofts herself had connections. Eight participants worked closely with Stick Mob Studio to develop graphic novel art and illustration skills, showcasing the creative strengths of the graphic novel style in Traditional Storytelling.

Create

Initiative

In November, 6 young women travelled from the Tiwi Islands to Sydney to participate in the Create Initiative program. The students worked alongside ILF Ambassadors Shelley Ware and David Lawrence and, for the third year, Hachette Australia, to write Night of the Nyingawi at Jessie River - a book that is both funny and scary. The main characters are based on the authors themselves and is about a hunting and fishing trip gone wrong. This is the 11th book created by students from Tiwi College since the program first started in 2012.

Tiwi students and teachers on Gadigal Country

“Hachette shares offices with the ILF, and our people get a small insight into the amazing work they do. This year, we once again took part in the Tiwi Create program. Witnessing the growth in confidence and storytelling skills of this amazing group of girls is inspiring and invigorating, and we are thrilled with the books they’ve created and that we will be publishing.” LOUISE STARK, CEO HACHETTE AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Arrernte Country

Illustration from NT Mob Sharing Stories Gadigalby Lindy in Language, Brodie. Country

ILF Impact Report 2025

our programs “The ASA offers warm congratulations to the ILF on another year of invaluable work. We understand the power that stories have to inspire, unite, and create positive change, and we celebrate the ILF’s ongoing initiatives to promote reading and literacy across the country, publish and share First Nations stories, and make books accessible to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.” LUCY HAYWARD, CEO, AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF AUTHORS

Illustration from On the Way to Yalaŋbara by Rärriwuy Gurramu Marika & Merrkiyawuy GanambarrStubbs

ILF Impact Report 2025

We launched

the pilot of Talent Pathways, a unique investment designed to support

participants into employment and corporate opportunities, while remaining in their home Community. The 2-year program empowers young people with the skills and confidence to share their art with the world, pursue paid opportunities of their choosing, and help build a network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander freelance consultants without needing to relocate and separate from family, friends and Country.

“Lendlease is proud to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation as a recipient of our Workplaces with Impact Grant program. This grant is about more than just funding, it’s about supporting organisations that are creating real, lasting change. This program marks the next chapter in Lendlease and ILF’s partnership and reflects our shared belief in creating real career opportunities for First Nations youth in remote Communities, empowering the next generation of storytellers, creators and cultural leaders.” Helen de Wolfe, Lendlease Foundation Program and Partnership Manager

The pilot began with a small intake of 4 young people from remote Communities who had previously participated in other ILF programs. They undertook a portfolio-building course to strengthen their pathways into employment opportunities of their choice, while continuing to live in the remote places they call home. In 2025, the program focused on design and visual storytelling, graphic design and working in the graphic novel space with ILF partners. The focus for 2026 has shifted to supporting participants in gaining access to paid work through ILF and its partners. We held workshops in Gadigal (Sydney), Mpwarntwe (Alice Springs), and Meanjin (Brisbane), and we visited each participant in their home Community to gain insights into the opportunities available to them there and how ILF can align their interests with careers. Each workshop engages with different practitioners and experts in their fields, who deliver lessons in art, design, publishing knowledge and employment skills. One participant, Murrwale, found work in his home Community after completing mentoring and workshop training. Murrwale’s exit from the program made way for a new participant, Sheriekah Polkinghorne from Katherine, to join. The other participants are Bronanna Waterloo from Amanbidji, Deb (Rose) Archie from Bulla, and Ruby Brooks from Tiwi.

“With this Pathway program, I want to be able to find a job that I want. I want help to build skills, with small goals to start, and ideas for the future.” – Rusinya (Ruby) Brooks This program has been proudly supported by Lendlease.

ILF Impact Report 2025

community stories

Supporting a Community from Book Supply to Community Publishing Outback Country was created during a week-long workshop held in April

2025, facilitated by the ILF and led by ILF Ambassador Bianca Hunt.

Held at Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health (CACH), the workshop gave young authors the time, space and encouragement to share their stories – some grounded in reality, others delightfully imaginative. Throughout the week, participants explored diverse storytelling techniques, collaborated on the artwork featured in the book and were inspired by a special visit from local Elder and celebrated author, the late Herb Wharton. Herb discussed with the children the importance of telling their stories and inspired them to be brave as the next generation of authors, illustrators and storytellers. The ILF acknowledges the passing of Herb and the long-lasting legacy he has had on the families and Community of Cunnamulla. We are deeply saddened by his passing and honoured to have had the opportunity to work with him during this workshop. By the end of the week, the authors were beaming with pride, eager to show their progress to parents and carers. This book stands as a testament to their voices, spirits, and to the power of storytelling to nourish Community. In October, these young authors stood up in front of their families, friends, and the Community and launched this beautiful book, showcasing their dedication to the project. Reflecting on this achievement, Allen (Monk) Wharton, a Cunnamulla Community member and grandfather to some of the children in the workshop, stated:

“I would like to highlight the importance of this well-puttogether book. This book highlights the significance of literacy and education within our Community.” “The book itself can serve as a promotional tool to connect generations within the Community - it may spark discussions about experiences, history and values that are crucial in preserving the Community’s history. It may also be used as a tool to encourage other children to engage in reading and writing, fostering a culture of creativity and learning.” Outback Country offers a sincere and charming glimpse into the world of these kids in a small town in South West Queensland, and the result of intergenerational storytelling and a long relationship between the ILF and the Cunnamulla Community.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Create The long-lasting impact of the Create Initiative ASHLEE PALIPUAMINNI FORMER TIWI COLLEGE TEACHER

Meanjin, Turrbal Country

“The Create Initiative has been an incredible experience for our students, providing them with the rare opportunity to travel to Sydney and collaboratively write and publish their own book. While I already know my students to be naturally creative storytellers, this trip allows those talents to truly shine. It gives them the guidance and skills to turn their ideas into something real. Students engage with authors, editors, and mentors, gaining valuable insights into the book-writing industry and hands-on work experience. The program builds confidence in their speaking, writing, and listening skills and strengthens their engagement in school for both attendance and participation. The Create Initiative trips have a lasting impact that extends far beyond the trip itself. Students return home with pride, knowing they have created something they can share with their Community that includes their language and culture. Younger students are inspired by their work, asking questions about the creative process and how they can also become authors and attend the trip. This not only fosters pride and confidence but also creates a ripple effect, encouraging more students to participate in school and other programs. Additionally, the ongoing connections with ILF Ambassadors and staff, have provided Tiwi College students with continued opportunities beyond the trips. Past participants have maintained relationships with ILF, which has led to career opportunities and further mentorship. This longterm impact shows that ILF is not just providing a one-off experience but is truly investing in the futures of these young people. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to empowering Tiwi young people through the power of literacy and creativity. I look forward to seeing how ILF continues to grow its programs and enrich the lives of students on the Tiwi Islands and beyond.” ASHLEE PALIPUAMINNI, FORMER TIWI COLLEGE TEACHER

ILF Impact Report 2025

community stories

The impact of books in language

CHARMAINE COUNCILLOR, ONE OF THE CREATORS OF BUNBURY BOOK KALA

“I can see the impact [of the Kala project] on the Elders. We have one Elder that hadn’t had any language growing up and was forbidden to speak language, and she expressed how beautiful that she can speak her language again. She said how it has helped her to become a Noongar woman, know her Noongar language, and it connects her to her Country and she felt empowered through this. And it’s so beautiful - the book. We were just so excited that someone wanted to publish a book for us. Now our kids are going to benefit from it. The language survival and maintenance of our Country is amazing. And I think our hub [where the book was created] provided a place for Elders to meet in a safe space, to do that without any judgment, any fear.

Charmaine Councillor

I’ve worked with Elders in many projects over the last 20 years, and to see the relief and the release of emotion when they speak language, because sometimes they are waiting for someone to tell them they can speak language again. They’re seeking that permission, and they don’t know how to go about it. It’s like giving them permission or giving them the space to rethink, ‘Can I speak my language again without fear or someone asking me why I am doing that now?’ and ‘Why would you go there?’ And it’s not purely about the language alone, it’s also about their identity. It’s about them connecting to who they are. Because when they start speaking their language, it’s actually the language of the land that they were born on, or maybe taken from. Sadly, a lot of our people experience this, the mechanism of Stolen Generation. They were taken off Country and forced to learn another language, or another way of life. And when they want to go back to Country, speaking their language can actually help them heal and connect. There are often lots of tears, lots of anger coming through that as well – and trauma surfaces. A person taken away might have heard their last language when they were taken away. I’ve experienced working with many older facilitators that have mixed emotions, and so it does have a big impact. I can honestly speak for the Elders that I’m working with today – to say that healing is starting to happen and identity is strengthening. These Elders are feeling proud.

And even if you don’t know the language fluently. If you say one word in language for the rest of your life, you’re speaking your language. If you say one or two words in Noongar the rest of your life, that is speaking your language. And it’s a word that you never spoke before. It’s just reclaiming their identity, their language, their Mother Tongue. I can see it in their faces and expressions and laughter. And some people say, ‘Why bother?’ And I say, ‘Why not?’”

ILF Impact Report 2025

Illustration from Kala by Birdiya Waangkiny Elders Group Bunbury ILF Impact Report 2025

Fundraising

Australia Post

Australia Post is dedicated to strengthening and connecting Communities throughout Australia, recognising that literacy plays a powerful role in bringing people together. Through its extensive national network, Australia Post helps deliver ILF’s Book Supply and Book Buzz resources to First Nations children in remote Communities. This partnership is a key part of Australia Post’s Reconciliation Action Plan and its ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous Communities.

Supporting an impactful Create Initiative In November 2025, Australia Post proudly supported the ILF’s Create Initiative, supporting 6 students from Tiwi College to attend workshops to write, illustrate and publish their own story. Led by ILF Ambassadors and Create Initiative Mentors David Lawrence and Shelley Ware, the initiative supports young people from remote Communities to showcase their creativity and have their stories published into books for the Community to enjoy. The program was an incredible success, culminating in the launch of the students’ published book, Night of the Nyingawi at Jessie River, on the final day of the program. Australia Post National Reconciliation Action Plan Manager, Joe Murfet, attended the book launch, “What I really like about Create and why it’s such an important initiative is it gives an opportunity to share culture and language and build literacy through local, place-based storytelling. The theme of our Stretch RAP is Amplifying Indigenous Voices and initiatives like Create really provide that opportunity,” said Joe.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Delivering early-learning resources to remote Communities Book Buzz supports 116 playgroups throughout Australia, enabling children to develop crucial pre-literacy skills. With Australia Post’s support, the program delivers Book Buzz packs that give children access to board books, picture books, and tactile books, laying the foundation for an interest in reading and giving children the experience of being able to follow stories from beginning to end.

Book Supply

Since partnering with the ILF in 2020, Australia Post has ensured the safe delivery of over 700,000 books to more than 500 remote First Nations Communities, giving children and their families access to new, culturally appropriate books. Over 50% of these books feature Indigenous authors and illustrators. This allows children to see themselves and their culture reflected in the stories, helping to build a sense of connection, belonging and pride. In May 2025, Jane Anderson, Australia Post’s EGM – Community, Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement, visited Tiwi Islands where Tiwi College officially launched the 2023 and 2024 Create books and witnessing the program’s impact first‑hand. “It was an honour to be a guest of Tiwi College at the launch of 2 incredible books developed through the Create Initiative, a truly special program that nurtures First Nations language and storytelling,” she said. The Tiwi Girl Hunters books are now available through ILF’s Book Supply program.

Fundraising

In 2025, Australia Post raised a total of $18,006.15 to support the ILF’s programs through various channels, including over-the-counter donations, in-store RoundUp transactions, online store donations, and through the sale of ILF tote bags. A portion of the proceeds from the 11,272 tote bags sold was donated to ILF. The tote bag featured Kathy Arbon’s artwork, originally created for the book Can You Dance?

Trivia Night support

In December 2025, Australia Post proudly supported the ILF’s annual Trivia Nights in Sydney and Melbourne, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the partnership. Australia Post filled three tables across the Sydney and Melbourne events, with strong participation reflecting their genuine engagement with grassroots events. Together, this involvement highlighted the strength of our collaboration and shared commitment to supporting literacy outcomes in remote First Nations Communities. PARTNER

ILF Impact Report 2025

Fundraising Festive wrapping at Kinokuniya Books For the fourth consecutive year, December brought together 251 of ILF’s dedicated volunteers, delivering 650 combined volunteering hours across 303 gift wrapping shifts to wrap books for Kinokuniya’s customers. We are enormously grateful to Kinokuniya Sydney, their wonderful staff and their generous customers for making this event possible. Together, we raised $22,875, marking our most successful festive wrapping campaign to date.

“We always look forward to supporting the ILF team during their Christmas gift-wrapping fundraising. Their dedication to fostering literacy and creating opportunities for Indigenous Communities is truly inspiring and we feel so lucky to play a small part in their incredible work.” EILEEN CHONG, MARKETING MANAGER, KINOKUNIYA BOOKS

Thank you to our regular givers Your ongoing support is what allows us to make long-term commitments to Communities. Your generosity means they can count on us. Thank you.

“I’m a big believer of storytelling as a way to heal and empower and ILF’s model of being Community-led really resonates with me, as does supporting Indigenous languages to thrive!” TALIA, ILF DONOR

“It has been a pleasure to give support to enable so many children to learn to read in their own languages,” TREVOR, LONG-TERM DONOR FOR 10 YEARS

New Major Sponsor The Fullerton Hotel Sydney On 29 August, ILF’s new major sponsor, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, marked the 150th anniversary of the General Post Office and launched its partnership with ILF by making a significant donation as an investment into Community literacy.

The ILF was honoured to join the celebrations and is deeply grateful to The Fullerton Hotel Sydney for their generosity and partnership. It was a wonderful evening that beautifully marked the beginning of this collaboration, and we are thankful that their donation will help us to continue supporting Community literacy.

Trivia Nights in Sydney and Melbourne In 2025, ILF supporters celebrated another successful year with 2 incredible Trivia nights in Sydney and Melbourne. The Sydney trivia night held in November and hosted by the hilarious Nina Oyama, was a night of laughter, rapid-fire questions, and some truly unforgettable danceoff impersonations. December saw the fun roll into Melbourne, where trivia royalty Brian Nankervis delivered another fantastic evening, which ended with a crowd favourite limbo challenge. Across both cities, 445 supporters came together, shared laughter, and raised an incredible $38,236. We’re deeply grateful for the joy, rivalry, and light-hearted moments that made these nights memorable.

ILF Impact Report 2025

corporate Fundraisers Ligeti Partners

Many of our corporate partners challenged their staff to take part in engaging fundraising initiatives. Ligeti Partners supported the ILF by organising a 7-week Readathon in which staff competed to read the most books and raise funds, directly benefiting the ILF.

The FNERG and NAB Foundation

NAB’s First Nations Employee Resource Group (FNERG), a volunteerled initiative dedicated to recognising and celebrating Australia’s oldest continuous cultures, chose ILF as their charity partner in 2025. The FNERG promoted ILF during their events and raised funds through merchandise sales, enabling the distribution of over 1,000 books to remote Communities. We are incredibly thankful to their team and to NAB Foundation for matching their donations.

Desert Rose Skincare by Jessica Mauboy

A heartfelt thank you to singer, actress, and ILF’s Ambassador, Jessica Mauboy, who pledged to donate a percentage of profits for products sold on Indigenous Literacy Day 2025. Jessica has been pivotal to the ILF for many years. Her support and Ambassadorship is incredibly valuable to the ILF and the Communities we support.

Francesca Jewellery

The ILF is grateful to Francesca Jewellery for donating $20 from each sale of their bespoke ILF awareness bracelet. Their support has enabled us to gift over 3,000 books since our partnership began.

“Supporting the ILF is incredibly important to us at Francesca. The Community-led work ensures children and families have the opportunity to learn and share stories in their own languages. We’re proud to have raised over $30,000 with our Awareness Bracelet to help make a meaningful difference.”

HANNAH VASICEK, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

Leif Products

In 2025, Leif Products once again supported the ILF by donating 100% of sales from their beauty products on 2 significant dates – 26 January and the Sunday during NAIDOC Week. This generosity builds on 5 years of continued partnership and we are deeply thankful for Leif’s ongoing commitment, as well as the care and thoughtfulness they bring to their involvement.

“We believe in the importance of giving back to Community whenever possible. For us, charitable giving is not just about making one-off donations; it’s about creating meaningful, long-term partnerships. We have a strong connection to ILF’s mission and are proud to support them as an ongoing charity partner.” AMANDA JENNINGS, HEAD OF MARKETING, LEIF

ILF Impact Report 2025

Our Media Partner – UnLtd “In the media, marketing and advertising industry, we understand the power a story holds to shape culture, build understanding and influence the future. That’s why our long‑standing partnership with the ILF is so meaningful to us. ILF’s Community‑led work ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up with stories that honour their languages, cultures and identities – stories that can thrive and be passed on for generations. In 2025, our industry collectively delivered significant pro bono media for the national Busking For Change campaign. Through ILF’s media agency partner, Mindshare, the campaign came to life across TV, radio, online, print and out‑of‑home channels, helping to elevate the importance of First Nations storytelling to audiences across the country. In addition, NOVA Entertainment funded the publication of Where is the Green Sheep? in Kunwinjku, a First Nations language from the Northern Territory, supporting ILF’s commitment to ensuring children can read and enjoy stories in their own language.” JADE HARLEY, DIRECTOR OF IMPACT, UNLTD

Illustration from Kala by Birdiya Waangkiny Elders Group Bunbury

ILF Impact Report 2025

“Literacy is most powerful when it grows from culture. The ILF supports Communities to create and share stories in their own languages, bringing learning, identity and cultural knowledge together in a single, lived experience. At Copyright Agency, we believe creative work should be respected, supported and paid for, and we’re proud to support an organisation whose principles stand as a beacon for working in the cultural sector.” JOSEPHINE JOHNSTON, CEO COPYRIGHT AGENCY. 50

ILF Impact Report 2025

Freedom of Expression Forum Sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, languages and cultures with the world In late May, ILF CEO Ben Bowen, Ambassador Jared Thomas and Head of Programs Tictac Moore travelled to Norway to speak at the Freedom of Expression Forum (WEXFO) and the Norwegian Literature Festival in Norway. The privilege of speaking at these events followed the honour of winning the internationally recognised 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, furthering the work of the ILF and opening many doors for the organisation.

Centring First Languages and Community-led literacy The ILF went to the festivals with 1 sole purpose: to celebrate and centre Australia’s work in First Languages publishing, bilingual storytelling, and the Community-led literacy journeys of the hundreds of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities the ILF works with. While it’s vital to share and honour First Nations’ stories with a global audience, ILF’s commitment remains firmly with the Communities they work alongside and, as such, no resources were diverted from the core work of the ILF. All travel and participation in this trip was fully supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program, along with the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, WEXFO, and the Norwegian Literature Festival bodies.

Building a global First Nations’ publishing network A key outcome of the journey was identifying the need for a global First Nations Peoples Writers and Publishing network. Through collaboration, the power of storytelling and the wisdom embedded in language and culture, there is a real opportunity to create markets around the world to celebrate and foster First Nations’ storytelling, cultures and languages.

A Final Word of Thanks We would like to acknowledge and thank the Australian Government through the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, WEXFO and the Norwegian Literature Festival bodies for providing us the direct funding that enabled this journey.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Major Campaigns & Events

Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) is a marquee event for the ILF, attracting significant awareness and support for our work with remote Communities. This year’s celebration was livestreamed from Tubowgule – where Sydney Opera House stands on Gadigal Country – overlooking Sydney Harbour. The event was an action-packed, joyful performance; sharing stories, music, song, skits, dancing, movement and language.

ILD SNAPSHOT

THEME: Strength in our Stories: For Now & Future Generations VENUE: The Studio, Sydney Opera House

LIVE AUDIENCE: Over 300 guests including Katherine High School students, First Nations students from local Sydney schools, ILF Ambassadors, Board Members, sponsors, VIP corporates, special guests and ILF staff.

LIVESTREAM: 233,044 viewers across Australia.

ILF Impact Report 2025

THE LIVE EVENT

Directly following the ILD FILM, we hosted a livestreamed performance from Sydney Opera House with performances celebrating Aboriginal storytelling. Performers included ILF Ambassadors Lucas Proudfoot, Bianca Hunt, Josh Pyke, Gregg Dreise, Andy Griffiths, David Lawrence, special guests Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers and Katherine High School authors and illustrators.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Major Campaigns & Events

warakurna

katherine

FILM

The 2025 ILD Film was a joyful adventure through 3 remote Aboriginal Communities visiting Ceduna, Katherine and Warakurna. Viewers learnt about the diverse ways storytelling is being practiced by their young people, adults, and Elders.

ILD Book

This year we celebrated the launch of Grinj det K’Taun Krok! (Grinch the K-Town Croc!) written and illustrated by students from Katherine High School in the Northern Territory. The authors travelled to Sydney to launch the book to a national audience as part of our Live Event celebrations.

“Culture is a person’s strength. I have great pride in our beautiful Culture, and many of my ancestors proudly battled to pass down this beauty. The beautiful warmth of our Culture is something that I am truly proud of. For Now and Future Generations is a perfect reminder of whatever happens in life: through the good times and the bad, I strive to continue to pass down our beautiful Culture every day to ensure that it continues into the future.”

GREGG DREISE, AUTHOR, ARTIST, PERFORMER AND PROUD ILF AMBASSADOR

ILF Impact Report 2025

ceduna

ILF Impact Report 2023 55

Major Campaigns & Events

ILF Impact Report 2025

Major Campaigns & Events

MAJOR SPONSOR OF ILD, ARA

“Our sponsorship of Indigenous Literacy Day reflects our shared belief in the power of education and opportunity. It is a privilege to contribute to a future where more First Nations children have access to the resources they need to learn, thrive, and build their own stories.”

EDWARD FEDERMAN, CEO & CO FOUNDER, ARA

ILD SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Teachers Mutual Bank (TMB) was proud to become a Supporting Sponsor of Indigenous Literacy Day. As a bank for teachers, they understand the importance of literacy and language in enhancing educational outcomes. Thank you to Glinda Major, Kaylene Collins and the whole TMB team. They not only volunteered to pack gift bags for the kids that joined our live event, they have also championed ILF’s broader work and impact by supporting our core programs.

Kimberlin Education

To honour the life and work of their late colleague, Kim Hawgood, Kimberlin Education was a Supporting Sponsor of ILD. Kim dedicated her life to bringing out the best in every student. Her philosophy was that no child should be left behind. This contribution to the ILF is a lasting part of her legacy. Thank you to Danielle Fletcher, Angelina Yalda and Kim’s family, including Mandy Murtagh who joined us at Sydney Opera House to celebrate.

ILF Impact Report 2025

Major Campaigns & Events

Busking For Change is an exciting fundraiser for primary schools celebrating musical literacy, promoting First Nations’ languages and social justice. This year the ILF promoted the third Busking For Change fundraising campaign. Hundreds of school raised funds as a part of this muscial fundraiser, while learning how to sing and play the song Country Tells Us When..., featuring words in both English and Yawuru. The story of Country Tells Us When... was adapted into a joyful song about the seasonal changes of the Kimberley by ILF Ambassadors Dobby, Josh Pyke, Justine Clarke and sung by Yawuru woman Tehya Makani. This song celebrates Yawuru knowledge systems, culture, language, and connect to Country. Through the involvement of 102 schools, $21,175 was raised for our 2026 programs. The fundraising campaign celebrates Aboriginal First Languages and teaches children nationally about the lives and experiences of children in remote Communities. It creates an appreciation for Aboriginal cultures and languages and celebrates the achievements of Yawuru authors and Community in creating their book, Country Tells Us When...

Launch at the Australian Museum The Great Book Swap returned with a celebratory launch at the Australian Museum in Sydney joined by First Nations primary school students and ILF Lifetime Ambassador Andy Griffiths. The launch involved an immersive journey through the Australian Museum’s interactive Burra (eel) learning space. Andy Griffiths shared hilarious stories including a fun, crazy story about “bad baby” and Godzilla. Andy then launched the Great Book Swap for 2025 with students excitedly grabbing books to take home with them. Funds raised by the Great Book Swap support the ILF in gifting culturally relevant books to remote Communities. A heartfelt thank you to all the 2025 Great Book Swap hosts and participants.

ILF Impact Report 2025

thank you Partners, Donors, Volunteers and Supporters

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. Thank you

Illustration from Outback Country by Kids from Cunnamulla

MAJOR SUPPORTERS Abco Products ARA Group Endowment Bain & Company Campos Coffee Colin, Biggers & Paisley David & Miriam Sitsky Foundation Envato Foundation First Sentier Investors (Australia) Services Pty Limited Grace Worldwide (Australia) Pty Ltd Hachette Australia HME Stewart Charitable Trust Isuzu Ute Australia

Johnston Foundation Julie Hannaford Lendlease Investment Management Mitsubishi Corporation Pan Macmillan Penguin Random House Five V Capital PNI Foundation

SUPPORTERS ACME Foundation ARA Corporate Services Banksii Foundation Biblio, Inc Donnelly Garner Foundation Dr R A Glow OAM Fairview Endowment Federman Family Foundation Henson Foundation Ian and Alison McKenzie Family Foundation John & Kaye John & Myriam Wylie Foundation MFS International Australia Pty Ltd Mutual Trust Foundation Omni Executive Pty Ltd Reg and Natalie Corke Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd The Elizabeth and Barry Davies Charitable Foundation The Hantomeli Foundation The Pinshaw Family Foundation The Quinn-Femelle Private Ancillary Fund The Sisyphus Foundation

Matilda Bookshop Potts Point Bookshop Readings Roaring Stories Tales & Tomes UNSW Bookshop

BOOKSTORES Asia Bookroom Avenue Bookstores Berkelouw Books Bookoccino Bookshop Books Kinokuniya Books@Stones Brunswick Bound Collins Booksellers Fullers Bookshop Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore Gleebooks Harry Hartog Mary Who? Bookshop Marysville Booknest

Teachers Mutual Bank

The Fullerton Hotel - Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Limited UnLtd

AUSTRALIAN BOOK INDUSTRY Affirm Press Allen & Unwin ALS Library Services Australia Booksellers Association Australian Library and Information Association Australian Publishers Association Australian Society of Authors Berbay Books Better Reading Black Inc Boolarong Press Child’s Play Children’s Book Council of Australia Children’s Ground Ford Street Publishing Fremantle Press Gestalt Publishing Hardie Grant HarperCollins Lioncrest Education Magabala Books Modern Teaching Aids Museums Victoria Publishing National Library of Australia NewSouth Books Peribo Scholastic Australia University of Queensland Press UWA Publishing Walker Books Windy Hollow Books

ILF Impact Report 2025

community fundraising stories

Penleigh & Essendon Schools SOCIAL SERVICE WEEK FUNDRAISER

Students at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, Moonee Ponds Campus have proudly supported the Indigenous Literacy Foundation for the past few years. During the school’s ‘Social Service Week’ in Term 2, led by the RAP Committee and Class Captains, the school organised a range of activities to raise awareness of Indigenous literacy and support access to books and learning resources in remote Communities. Amid dress-ups, discos, pool parties, and trivia, several events stood out. Year 6 students delivered outstanding performances and the Year 4 Walkathon contributed significantly to their overall support. By the end of the week, the Junior School Community had raised over $17,000, enough to gift 1,700 culturally meaningful books into the hands of children in remote Communities.

“Recently our school principal, Ms Dullard, introduced our school values using the acronym REACH. Through this fundraising initiative, we witnessed these values in action. In acknowledging the dignity and diverse perspectives of all individuals, particularly Indigenous peoples, we demonstrated RESPECT. When we ENCOURAGED each other to take responsibility for others in the world around us, we held each other ACCOUNTABLE. In standing up for what is right and supporting others, we built CONNECTIONS and showed HEART.” “Having chosen the ILF as my charity to send the money to is special to me. Trusting mob to help mob is a special choice and I know it’ll help build strong, talented and memorable young people!” – KYLE SHILLING

Dancing with the Stars

Actor and ILF advocate Kyle Shilling walked away with the 2025 Mirrorball Trophy at the 2025 Dancing with the Stars grand finale, aired on August 4. Kyle selected the Indigenous Literacy Foundation as his charity of choice, resulting in $20,000 being donated, to support our programs and initiatives.

RMIT Great Book Swap RMIT University is proud of its ongoing connection with the ILF. The annual Great Book Swap reflects the University’s commitment to reconciliation and responsible practice through support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. In 2025, RMIT expanded the fundraiser beyond the sale of donated books by introducing an online auction of signed titles from local authors. Library staff created a custom platform featuring over 70 books from authors including Eddie Betts, Graeme Simsion, Ronnie Scott, Louise Wolhuter, and Mark Mupotsa-Russell. RMIT raised an incredible $12,699 to support our programs. Professor Gary Thomas, the Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous Education, Research and Engagement at RMIT, reflected on the success of this event by saying,

“RMIT’s annual Great Book Swap is a fantastic opportunity for our university to support the very important work of gifting books and literacy resources to Indigenous Communities, as well as publishing books in First Languages.”

Dan Donaldson 100km for Indigenous literacy Teacher and passionate runner Dan Donaldson combined his love of education and endurance to support Indigenous literacy in a truly inspiring way. Driven by his deep commitment to Indigenous education, Dan took on an extraordinary personal challenge to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. On 28 August 2025, Dan taught a full day at school before running 100km through the night, returning straight to the classroom the next morning, ready to teach again. His powerful goal was simple: to help place culturally relevant books and learning resources into the hands of children in remote Communities. Through his determination and generosity, Dan’s efforts raised an incredible $8,366 to support us in providing books to remote Communities.

“Working in Central Australia showed me that literacy is deeply connected to culture and Community. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation embodies that connection, supporting learning that grows from Country, language, and the strength of Indigenous voices. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important foundation and cause.” ILF Impact Report 2025

Financials

INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION LTD ABN: 45 146 631 843 The ILF is an independent charity with DGR Status. We raise all income for our Australian based programs independently, without government support. In the past 15 years, we have raised over $47 million to support our programs. Using best practice guidelines for charities, the majority of funding received was spent on the delivery of programs. In 2026, our target is $8.2 million.

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the year ending 31 December 2025

COST STRUCTURE 2025

PROGRAM COSTS 2025

ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATING COSTS

TALENT PATHWAYS

14%

22%

BOOK BUZZ

25%

13% FUNDRAISING COSTS

21%

COMMUNITY PUBLISHING

66%

40%

BOOK SUPPLY

PROGRAM COSTS

ILF Impact Report 2025

INCOME STREAMS EXCLUDING DONATIONS

BEQUESTS

2024

BOOKS AND MERCH

GRANTS

INTEREST RECEIVED

OTHER

2025

DONATIONS BY SOURCE

BOOKSELLERS

2024

CORPORATE & COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

INDIVIDUALS

PUBLISHERS

2025

ILF Impact Report 2025

Illustration from Kala by Birdiya Waangkiny Elders Group Bunbury

PHOTOGRAPHY Joseph Mayers, Lisa Pilbeam, Community members, ILF staff and supporters

WISDOMS AND ILLUSTRATIONS KNOWLEDGES Ngali Nga Balun, Ngali Nga Jugun: Our River, Our Country On the Way to Yalaŋbara, Dig, Chop, Shakedoes Standard English Counting Crocodiles, not acknowledge multiple Outback Country, knowledges or wisdoms, so Kala it is never used in theBurns plural. Mia Speed and Sharon However, in Indigenous

can extend across cultures, and are also closely

connected to kinship and Country.

ILF Impact Report 2025

17/207 Kent St Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 9280 0644 info@ilf.org.au ilf.org.au ABN 45 146 631 843 Donations welcome

ILF Impact Report 2025