January News
Kunja Country (Cunnamulla), 2024.
Image by Wayne Quilliam
Yamandhu marang friend,
Happy 2025 and we hope you all had a safe and relaxing break.
On January 26, we took the time to reflect on the incredible strengths and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities across Australia throughout our shared history. On this day, and every day, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation acknowledges First Nations Peoples' unbroken connections to land, sea and sky and pay our respects to Elders and all First Nations peoples.
We would like to thank all of our supporters who donated to our Festive Appeal, as a result we raised over $36,000 which will go towards our programs in remote Communities this year. These include:
Delivering 148,300 books, to over 450 Communities through Book Supply
Strengthen our relationships with the 115 playgroups we are working through Book Buzz
Publish 35 books, and release our first ebooks to make stories and languages even more accessible
Host 2 Create Initiatives and 1 Pamela Lofts Bequest project
Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen
Chief Executive Officer
Wiradjuri/Gandagarra
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.
Illustrations from Where's my Minya Marlu? published by the ILF, 2024.
This month's word is garliya in
Wirangu language!
Emu = Garliya
Wirangu Country is located in the far west coast of South Australia.
Reflecting, Connecting, and Celebrating First Nations Strength
on Jan 26
Learn about the importance of January 26th, ways to engage and how the ILF uses this day to connect with other First Nations people and organisations on Gadigal Country.
Yabun Festival
On January 26, the ILF participated in Yabun on Gadigal Country. Yabun is the largest, annual, one-day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia, held on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We are so grateful to be able to connect with other First Nations people and organisations on this important day. Thank you to everyone who supported our stall.
Save the Date for Indigenous Literacy Day
Mark your calendars! Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) will be held on Wednesday 3rd September 2025. More information to come.
ILF Ambassador Briefing
This month ILF Ambassadors, Board Members and staff came together at Bangarra Dance Theatre to connect and reflect on the year ahead. It was such a great opportunity to connect face to face with everyone and have meaningful conversations about our work.
Alison Lester
A big congratulations to ILF Lifetime Ambassador Alison Lester, her beloved classic Magic Beach has been adapted into a movie that is in cinemas now.
Thank you to the PNI Foundation and Five V Capital for supporting us for the second year with funding towards our Book Supply and Book Buzz programs and the publication of the forthcoming book Sweet Home.
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). Please note from 17th March, wills made with Safewill will be free of charge for two weeks. Keep an eye out for news about our webinar during that period where you will find out how easy and safe it is to make your will with Safewill!
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.
We are so grateful for the support from Francesca who are supporting our Foundation for the second year in a row by generously donating $20 from every purchase of their Awareness Bracelet to the ILF for the next 12 months.
An enormous thank you to Kinokuniya Books for providing us the opportunity for the third year in a row for Festive Gift Wrapping. Over the 20 days, 295 volunteers wrapped countless gifts and together we raised an incredible $15,912! A big thank you to those who volunteered their time in the busy festive period to raise funds for the ILF.
Join a Marathon or Run and support the ILF!
Join an event, arranged by one of our fantastic event organisers. We have all sorts of fundraising events on offer from legendary swims to iconic running events. A few to name below:
