ILD 2011 - Reports and Photos

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St Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney, Sydney

ILD at St Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney was a real celebration, with keynote speakers Olympian runner Patrick Johnson, author and poet Gayle Kennedy and a performance from Koomuri. David Gaunt spoke about the foundation’s work and a Great Book Swap followed with over 200 children.

Images taken by Prudence Upton captured the beautiful spirit of the day.

Indigenous Literacy Day at Loreto Kirribilli

Students at Loreto Kirribilli in Sydney were treated to an address by ILF Ambassador David Malouf. David spoke about how literacy impacts on every aspect of our lives and that in our society, anyone who cannot read is powerless.

Brisbane Launch at Brisbane Writers Festival

The official launch of The Naked Boy and the Crocodile in the red tent at the Brisbane Writers Festival on ILD was a resounding success. Adam James sang ‘Children of the Sunrise’ from his new album. This was followed by Andy Griffiths’ discussion of the challenges of learning to read in remote communities and the writing workshops that led to the publication of this collection of stories. Andy’s reading of the stories led to great roars of laughter from the kids. But as well laughter there were some serious moments, as Andy encouraged his audience to reflect on the different opportunities for children in the city versus children in remote communities.

Western Australia

Anita Heiss’ marathon on Noongar Radio with Karla Hart raised $1,600. Listeners bid for a wonderful collection of books donated by The National Library, Anita Heiss, Harper Collins, Penguin Australia and ILF’s own Naked Boy and the Crocodile.

Parliament House, Canberra

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia gave the 2011 Indigenous Literacy Day Address at Parliament House.

Read the address here.