News from the ILF ![]() Tiwi Islands, 2021. Photography by Tiffany Parker Yamandhu marang Friend, Our Book Supply invitations were sent out late in March and by early April there were an incredible 94,996 books ordered from 355 Communities. The interest is so strong that we are currently working on a second release of Book Supply packs to meet the In other exciting news, two of our non-commercial titles, 'Jarrampa' and 'Big Fat Mummy Goanna' will soon become commercially available. Both books were launched in Community last
year to much fanfare and celebration. Education and Development lead, Vicki Hyman, at the local Centre said "The children and families rejoiced, they were beside themselves with happiness that the Walmajarri language is being honoured in this way.” ILF is being rebranded later this year and we would love to
hear your thoughts and experiences with our Foundation to help guide the design process. Click here for the survey. It is anonymous so please share your thoughts and help us make our branding even better. A big thank you to the supporters who have already provided feedback. Mandaang guwu, Ben Bowen ![]() ![]() This month's word is crocodile in Tiwi language!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Meet Book Buzz Coordinator, Jolene! Jolene shares why Book Buzz is critically important for the development of early literacy and making connection with Community. Read more about Jolene's story here. Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) will be held on 7 September 2022. We are currently planning this exciting day so please watch this space. Check out how students from Clyde Fenton Primary School in Katherine, NT are enjoying books from our Book Supply program. Read the story here. This year the authors and illustrators of Mixed Feelings and Storm Warning will be attending Brisbane Writers Festival (3-8 May). Check out the event here. ![]() ![]() ![]() New Dolls in Book Buzz Kits We have updated our Book Buzz kits with new dolls by Jarjum Dollies. Business owner, Savannah's goal in creating the dolls is "to allow the diversity of First Nations peoples to be seen in something as simple as a doll, so that we can genuinely feel valued and visible". Tiwi Strongwomen ILFs regional coordinator, Tictac, spent time with the Ngarukuruwala Songwomen as they worked on their new book 'Murli La' (Let's Go!) Songs and Stories of the Tiwi Islands. Pictured is the Pularumpi mob checking spelling and translations, then ending the day at the beach. Tictac came outside to where everyone was waiting for a lift home to find them singing and dancing. Check out the joyful singing here. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ALS Library Services has been supporting the ILF by handling and shipping our commercially available stock and Book Buzz materials for over 7 years. We can't thank them enough. Read more here. We would like to thank MRI Software who have granted our Foundation $5000 which will see 500 culturally appropriate books delivered to remote Communities across Australia in 2022. A special thank you to Enviroplus who despite the challenges of COVID continued to donate a percentage of sales of their high rating green cleaning products to ILF. Since July 2021 they have donated an incredible $48,000. Our partner, Australia Post has run a successful campaign encouraging primary school students to experience Aboriginal language and storytelling through a reading of ILF published book, 'Moli detbigibigi' by their local Posties. Read here about Australia Post's visit to a primary school in Mt Gambier, South Australia. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() This month we would like to thank Kyogle Writers Festival (12-15 May) who will be donating funds from their poetry competition entry fees to the ILF. Make sure to check out the festival! Built have raised an incredible $3000 for the ILF through their corporate breakfast event. As part of the event, Built provided a $10 donation to ILF on behalf of each person, instead of a customary gift. A huge thank you to the team! |