October News
Kunja Country (Cunnamulla, Queensland).
Image by Wayne Quilliam
Yamandhu marang friend,
This month Lachy Morton has beaten the World Record and cycled around Australia in just 30 days, travelling an incredible 14,210 kilometers to raise funds for our Foundation. The speed, distance, and resilience that Lachy accomplished is almost unfathomable. His record breaking ride has raised over $140,000, which will have a long-lasting and immense impact on our programs in remote Communities. We are incredibly grateful for his support. Read the full story here.
We are very proud to announce that ILF published book NT Mob Sharing Stories in Language has been announced as a White Raven 2024. A big congratulations to the Communities who wrote and illustrated this important collection of nine different stories in nine different languages. Learn more about the White Raven award here.
In more exciting news, we have also launched two new bilingual board books -Where's my Minya Marlu? in Wirangu and English as well as Ngirringirri Kirijinga Japalinga: Shining Little Star in Tiwi and
English.
We thank you for being a part of our journey.
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 marlu in
Wirangu language!
Kangaroo = marlu
Wirangu Country is located in the far west coast of South Australia.
Like My Brother Movie | ILF Special Screening in Sydney
This coming-of-age film is about the power and impact of raw, sporting talent upon the lives of four, young Tiwi women and their remote Community. This incredible documentary stars four Tiwi women who are connected to the ILF and our programs, especially our Create Initiative program.
Join the ILF special screening in Sydney, tickets are selling fast!
Melbourne ILF Trivia Night
On Tuesday 10 December, we will be hosting our annual ILF Melbourne Trivia Night at Collingwood Town Hall with host Brian Nankervis! It's going to be a great night of fun, general knowledge and books. Tickets are available here.
If you or your workplace would like to kindly donate prizes that go towards our online silent auction or raffle, please email Krista at krista@ilf.org.au
We are Hiring!
Want to join the ILF team? We're looking for:
- Book Buzz Program Coordinator (remote)
- Regional Programs Coordinator (Far North Queensland/Torres Strait Islands)
- Production Coordinator
- Graphic Book Designer
First Nations candidates are encouraged to apply. Learn more on our Careers page here.
Cycling Around Australia, Beating the World Record, And Raising $140k for the ILF!
Read all about Lachy Morton's journey cycling around Australia in 30 days 9 hours and 59 minutes to raise funds for the ILF!
Indigenous Literacy Day LIVESTREAM
It's not too late to watch the ILD FILM and LIVESTREAM celebrating the theme Be a Proud Voice for Country. Check out our YouTube channel to watch snippets from the livestream with super star Ambassadors Jessica Mauboy, Gregg Dreise, Andy Griffiths, Justine Clarke and Josh Pyke!
STRYDE4 Day
This month ILF staff and supporters participated in STRYDE4 Day, a day to raise funds for the ILF by walking 10km or 21km from Bondi Beach to Maroubra/La Perouse or paddling 14km from Clovelly to La Perouse. As a result, an incredible amount of over $21,000 was raised and we are so grateful to those who participated and supported the day!
Joykids Family Rave
Joykids Family Rave is taking over Sydney Townhall on Dec 1st! Explore thoughtful kids' activities from face painting, sparkle stations and hair braiding to beautifully authored story books by the ILF. JOYKIDS is tailored to the whole family and all ages. Learn more and purchase tickets here with the code with the promo code JOY10
to receive an exclusive discount for ILF supporters!
Where’s my Minya Marlu?
Marlu (kangaroo) is looking for her minya marlu (little kangaroo/joey). Will garliya (emu), wardu (wombat), dyilga-marda (echidna), or any of the other animals be able to help her?
This is the first book from a talented young Wirangu woman, created as a language resource for kids in her Community. Written in English with some Wirangu words, the book also has a QR code on the book allows readers to listen along to the story.
Ngirringirri Kirijinga Japalinga: Shining Little Star
This book is based on the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It has been written in Tiwi by Pirlingimpi FaFT families and bubs. This book was made for families to share with bubs. The tune, based on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star will have kids of all ages singing along in Tiwi
Baryulgil workshop
This month ILF Publishing Coordinator, Nea, held a writing and illustration workshop at Baryulgil Public School. The students produced lots of artwork and the story will be about the Community and their connection to the Clarence River. Watch this space!
Launch of Where's my Minya Marlu?
This month author Mia Speed launched her book, Where's my Minya Marlu? at Lincoln Gardens Primary School in Port Lincoln, where Mia went to school. The launch was joined by ILF Ambassador Shelley Ware as well as teachers, family and the local Community - and every student got a copy of the book to take home!
Ann James
Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Ann James who has been awarded the 2024 ASA Medal. Established in 2003, the ASA Medal is awarded annually to an Australian author or illustrator who has made an outstanding contribution to Australian culture, both as a creator and an advocate.
Gregg Dreise
Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Gregg Dreise who illustrated the book, A Footy Tail. The story is inspired by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, written by NRL star Alex Johnston and illustrated by celebrated First Nations artist Gregg Dreise, and is a rhyming picture book about an underdog team of bunnies who are up against the stronger teams of animals. It is a wonderful story of unity, togetherness, resilience and teamwork.
ARIA Award
A big congratulations to the very talented ILF Ambassadors Jessica Mauboy, Emma Donovan, DOBBY and Josh Pyke who have all been nominated for an ARIA award for 2024.
Thanks to Abco for another outstanding quarterly donation of $40,460 based on sales of Enviroplus - we are so grateful for this wonderful partnership, which has just gone from strength to strength since 2021.
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. This 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 DUAL ANZ who raised over $35,000 through their 2024 DUAL ANZ Charity Hike to the Scenic Rim in Queensland. This donation supported the publishing of one of our newest bilingual books, Yaltji Ngayuku Papa (Where's my Dog?), a story written and illustrated by Tjuntjuntjara Community.
A special thank you to TAFE NSW Library Services for hosting a state-wide Great Book Swap to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day this year! With nearly 100 libraries across the TAFE NSW Network, the staff raised an incredible $7,300 for the ILF!
