Yamandhu marang friend,
What a month it’s been! There’s been so much happening across ILF, and I’m excited to share a few of the highlights with you.
We’ve just launched something really exciting—our Talent Pathways program! We are so proud to launch this innovative program that has been a long time in the making.
This program prepares and equips First Nations participants to use their creative skills within their Communities as publishers, graphic designers and or writers.
To kick things off, our team travelled to the heart of Kunja Country (Cunnamulla, QLD), where we hosted a truly special workshop. It’s always such a privilege to work with these incredible Communities to publish their stories.
At the same time, I had the honour of attending the World Literacy Summit in Oxford, England. It was an incredible opportunity to share the work of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation on a global stage. I also learnt from so many passionate literacy advocates from around the world. I’m deeply grateful for the conversations, insights, and connections made during those few days.
As always, thank you for your continued support — it truly means the world to us.
Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen
Chief Executive Officer
Wiradjuri/Gandagarra
Registrations are now open for Busking For Change!
Great news for educators — Busking For Change registrations are now open! This year’s song, Country Tells Us When…, celebrates the seasonal changes of the Kimberley and shares Yawuru knowledge, brought to life by ILF Ambassadors Josh Pyke, Justine Clarke, and DOBBY.
Over 103,000 Books Delivered
The first Book Supply release went out last month, and this month we’ve already had 2,871 pack orders across 466 remote Communities — that’s over 103,000 books! With 59% First Nations titles, this is our highest representation yet.
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Head of Publishing Nicola Robinson and Publishing Project Editor Cindy Manfong attended the Bologna Children's Book Fair, showcasing ILF books for publishers around the world, and catching up on global publishing trends and opportunities.
To celebrate UNESCO's second year of the Decade of Indigenous Languages, each month we encourage readers to learn a new word in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language.
Yawuru Country is the land
and sea of the Yawuru people,
in and around Rubibi (Broome) in WA.
Illustrations from Country Tells Us When... published by the ILF, 2023.
Huge congrats to Andy Griffiths on receiving a 2025 Deakin University Alumni Award! With 19 million books sold worldwide, Andy’s not only a legendary children’s author — he’s also a proud lifetime Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Ryhia Dank on Learning Country, a vibrant new picture book that celebrates the traditional names of well-known Australian places. With bold illustrations and lyrical storytelling, it invites readers to connect with Country through language, culture, and joy.
Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Anita Heiss on the release of her new book Red Dust Running, a heartwarming rom-com. Fresh out of a breakup and diving into her dream job at a First Nations gallery. Romance is not on the agenda... until a run-in with a charming cowboy shakes things up at the rodeo!
Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Jared Thomas on the release of Getting Dusty, the much-anticipated sequel to Uncle Xbox. When Dusty gets grounded after a blow-up at a soccer game, it’s up to Uncle Xbox (and a few good waves) to help him learn about choices, consequences, and growing up. With heart, humour, and plenty of surf.
We would like to thank Just Write For Kids Australia who have chosen our Foundation as their charity of choice and are donating a percentage of sales from their book, Somewhere Lost. Learn more about this enchanting picture book.
A big thank you to Comedy Republic who fundraised for ILF via the Fairly Poor Portrait Fair during the Melbourne Comedy Festival! Eleven of Australia's favourite comedians auctioned self-portraits and raised an amazing $3,995 to support ILF programs across remote Communities. We are so grateful for their support!
Thinking of writing your will? The ILF has partnered with Safewill to provide our supporters with the ability to write their will for just $80 (half price).
We are indebted to our partner Australia Post for their support with the delivery of Book Supply packs. Last year we celebrated the milestone of delivering their 500,000th book to remote Communities across Australia through our Book Supply program.
