ILF Welcomes Jillian Bowie, Helene Byfield & Julie Burland to Board

ILF Welcomes Jillian Bowie, Helene Byfield & Julie Burland to Board

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is proud to welcome three new Board Members to our growing team. Their expertise will help positively guide our programs for years to come.

Jillian Bowie

Jillian Bowie is a Samsep and Zagareb neur/woman from the islands of Erub and Mer in the Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait).

She strongly believes that it's important for Communities to have access to books in First Languages. 

"Our First Language connects us to our identity, culture, and Country/ples. Australia’s First Languages have been negatively impacted by the effects of colonisation where many Communities and language groups are working hard to revitalise and maintain their language, despite the lack of resources and inclusive support through our educational system over the past 200 years.

"It is important our Communities and schools on Country teach the language and culture of that Country/ples through our books and resources. It is important as part of our own inter-generational passing on of ancient knowledge and truth telling in our classrooms to help heal our nation.

"Storytelling in language is important because it has the power to deeply embed us into our own world and ancient knowledges. It preserves our language after our Elders and language speakers pass on to be with our ancestors and is a tool to help us when we become language educators and storytellers ourselves," says Jillian.

 

Jillian delivers a wealth of experience in the employment and training sector, mentoring and coaching, and community projects development.

She is a writer, poet, published author, small business owner, and influencer who uses her craft and creativity to inspire and empower First Nations people to thrive in their sphere of influence toward self-determination.

Jillian currently works for First Languages Australia as Senior Program Officer for their First Nations Languages Education Program team.

"Literacy connects us," she says. 

"Literacy is communication through storytelling, where the passing on of knowledge is preserved in books that can speak into the ears and hearts of our people near and far.

"This is important for those of us who have been dispossessed of Country, culture, language, and kin. No matter where we live, we remain connected to our stories, language, and people.

"Literacy connects us to each other and to the wider Community. It is our voice; our truth telling. Some stories may be fictional, but they carry an element of truth from the author’s world through imaginative perceptions.

"When we captivate children through literacy we are planting seeds, nurtured to grow into trees that will bear fruit for others to eat, to keep the fire burning, and keep our voices strong," says Jillian.

 

Helene Byfield

Helene Byfield is the Merchandise Manager at Books Kinokuniya where she has worked since starting as a part-time customer service representative while studying at university over 20 years ago.

"Literacy provides opportunities and opens doors. Access to books not only allows one to gain knowledge, but fosters empathy and promotes understanding. By providing access to books to children and families in remote Communities, especially in First Languages, the ILF celebrates Indigenous stories and culture, allowing Communities to see themselves reflected in books they have taken part in creating."

She believes that literacy and the ability to access a diverse range of titles are important not only for learning, but also so that people can see themselves and their culture reflected in the materials they read.

Helene loves sharing stories, and believes that books provide a wonderful way to build empathy and create opportunity. She is keen to help readers find their next favourite book.

"The bookstore I work at has been a strong supporter of the ILF through promotion and fundraising for many years. Joining the ILF Board gives me the opportunity to provide more hands-on and direct support for their fantastic work.

"I am looking forward to working with the ILF Board to provide support for their Book Supply and Community Publishing programs."

 

Julie Burland

Julie Burland joined Penguin Random House (PRH) Australia in 2000 and has since held various roles in sales, business development, and publishing.

She has served as the Director of Business Development and the Children's Division, where she was responsible for overseeing publishing, sales, marketing, and publicity.

Since 2015, Julie has been the Chief Executive Officer of Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to her role at PRH, Julie is also the current President of the Australian Publishers Association (APA).

The long association between PRH and the ILF has been incredibly important to everyone at PRH and the ILF, and Julie believes it is an honour to see the vital work the ILF does firsthand.

PRH is fundamentally aligned with the ILF ethos of fostering culture, stories, language and literacy.

"Joining the Board felt like a natural step to explore how PRH and I can further support this important and worthy cause. I am looking forward to learning from and contributing to the goals and focus of the ILF team," says Julie.

Literacy is a core value of Julie. 

"Literacy is a fundamental skill that enables individuals to understand, interpret, create and communicate effectively.

"Literacy is crucial for access to education and informed participation in society. Providing access to books for kids in remote Communities is vital because it fosters a love of reading, improves learning, and helps preserve cultural heritage by including books that reflect Indigenous stories and languages."


ILF Co-Chair Natalie Ahmat is excited to welcome these three people to the ILF's team of Board members.

"We are delighted to welcome Jillian, Julie and Helene to the ILF Board, and thank them for their willingness to share their time, skills and wisdom to support the ILF’s work.

This talented trio brings a wealth of experience and expertise across publishing, book selling and First Nations languages to our passionate and dedicated organisation. I have no doubt their insights and perspectives will prove invaluable as the ILF continues to grow and thrive, building on the positive work that saw the ILF recently receive global recognition, named as the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate for 2024.

The ILF would like to thank outgoing Board members, Louise Stark and Leitha Assan, for the enormous contribution that they have provided to the organisation. Our current programs would not be possible without their valued insights and guidance.

"I would also like thank our outgoing Board members, Louise Stark and Leitha Assan, who are leaving the ILF Board after completing their terms. It has been an incredible honour to serve alongside Louise and Leitha and I cannot thank them enough for their many contributions and tireless commitment to the ILF over the past six years.

Outgoing Board Members: Louise Stark, Leitha Assan, Laura Harris

"While we will no longer see them around the Board table, they remain valued members of the ILF family, and we look forward to seeing them for regular catchups and yarns at future ILF programs, book launches and events!" says Natalie Ahmat. 


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Written by Ella Schofield

  • Posted 25 July, 2024


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