William McInnes – Patron
Being asked to be Patron of the Year of Reading is as great a pleasure as it is an honor. It's easy to be blase about reading and books - easy to take them for granted. Yet when I think about it, reading to me is the key to so much. The key to a wider reach of information, a path to learning, the joy of entertainment and the exciting of the imagination. It's just so much fun. Helping to encourage people to remember that and maybe to discover that, is something I look forward to very much.
Dick Adams – National Ambassador
Dick Adams, a fifth-generation Tasmanian was first elected to Federal Parliament in 1993. He is a former union organiser and was state member of Parliament from 1979-82. Having learnt to read and write as an adult, Dick Adams has since devoted considerable effort to the Adult Literacy Program. It was as President of the Adult Literacy Program that he sat and passed the HSC English exam. Dick is the House of Representative’s representative on the Board of the National Library. “Libraries are a key information source. I have used public libraries all my life. They empower people and they help our democracy. Libraries and their services give me great joy.”
Felice Arena – National Ambassador
Felice Arena is one of Australia’s much-loved children’s authors. He is best known for his hugely popular Specky Magee series, co-written with former schoolmate and AFL legend Garry Lyon. The series has garnered five Australian Children Choice Book Awards and has been responsible for jump-starting a love of reading for so many young Aussies – especially reluctant male readers. Felice’s other bestselling books include the hilarious Farticus Maximus and Stick Dudes novels, the BoyzRule & GirlzRock adventures, Sally & Dave – A Slug Story, and the touching fast-paced fantasy, Whippersnapper. “I’m absolutely thrilled and excited to be one of the National Year of Reading Ambassadors. An entire year dedicated to books and reading - now that is truly Specky-tacular!”
Graeme Base – National Ambassador
I was about 11 years old when reading finally 'clicked' for me. My Latin teacher (that's right, Latin - I'm THAT old) gave me a copy of 'The Lord of the Rings' - an oblong slab of dead tree 1065 pages long. I felt I had to give it a go, it being given to me by a teacher and all - so I started into it... and within a few pages something happened: I began to see what I was reading. As I turned the pages the view just kept getting wider and wider. These days cinema screens are bigger and better than ever, but the truth is the screen inside your head is a million miles wide - and the hi-def is to die for.
Paul Carter – National Ambassador
“Without the simple pleasure of reading, life would just be a broken pencil........pointless”
Chris Cheng – National Ambassador
Christopher Cheng is a children's author of picture books, non-fiction and historical fiction titles for children in both print and digital formats. A prolific reader himself, he loves talking about the joys and delights of books and reading around Australia and overseas - nearly as much as actually writing the stories. Books can give freedom, escape, discovery and a whole lot more ... and Books are FUN! That is why he is totally buzzed and delighted to be an ambassador in National Year of Reading and wants every Australian to grab a book ... and be free, escape and discover something new!
Bryce Courtenay AM – National Ambassador
Bryce Courtenay is best known as one of Australia’s top selling novelists. The author of 20 books, his novels are primarily set in Australia, his adopted country, or South Africa, the country of his birth. His first novel, The Power of One, was published in 1989 and quickly became one of Australia’s best-selling books by any living author. In recognition of service to advertising and marketing, to the community, and as an author, Bryce was awarded The Order of Australia (AM) in 1995. It is wonderful to have Bryce add his support as an ambassador for the National Year of Reading.
Anh Do – National Ambassador
“I owe much of my success to a box of books that my mum bought from St Vinnies when I was a kid. Those books helped me to learn how to read and to turn a fear of words into a love for stories and language." Comedian and award winning author Anh Do.
Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor of Melbourne – National Ambassador
Children who enjoy reading soon discover a love of books that stays with them their whole lives. We are fortunate that libraries play such an active role in bringing stories to people from childhood to adulthood, connecting authors and readers through the joy of reading. I encourage all booklovers to get involved in the National Year of Reading. In the pages of a book lie some of life’s greatest delights.
Hazel Edwards – National Ambassador
Author of the classic ‘There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake’ series, Hazel explains 'Reading allows you to go inside the world of another person, and understand, for the length of that story, and beyond. She has written over 200 books for adults & children, runs non-boring writing workshops and is a regular keynote speaker, mentor and writer-in-residence.
Libby Gleeson – National Ambassador
I read in order to live. Someone very famous said it and I agree with them. Through reading I go anywhere and everywhere and I experience every emotion. I would be lost without reading and I aim through writing to help a reader have the same range of emotions and experiences that I have had. A whole year devoted to highlighting reading is wonderful. Get out there and read! I write picture books and longer fiction for young people of all ages.
Anna Goldsworthy – National Ambassador
Anna Goldsworthy is a pianist and writer, whose memoir 'Piano Lessons' was released in 2009 to wide acclaim. I spent much of my childhood engrossed in books, emerging reluctantly for key life events. Up until about the age of twenty, just about everything I knew came from books. Reading to me is still one of life's supreme pleasures. I'd almost always prefer to be doing it than anything else. But it's more than just a pleasure: it's an education in thinking, an exercise of empathy, a form of telepathy. It's what makes our species great.
Andy Griffiths – National Ambassador
One of the first books I ever encountered was the German children's classic, Struwwelpeter. It featured a range of children disobeying their parents and meeting a variety of grisly ends. It was both funny and terrifying at the same time. I learnt from an early age that reading is both an intensely pleasurable activity and also one that is not for the faint of heart. It took courage to turn the pages of Struwwelpeter, but the rewards far outweighed the risk. I've spent my life trying to write books that recreate the same sense of fascination I felt as a young reader for the next generation of readers and I'm thrilled to have been invited to be an ambassador for the National Year of Reading … let the wild rumpus begin!
Libby Hathorn – National Ambassador
Libby Hathorn is an award-winning author and poet of more than fifty books. Translated into several languages and adapted for stage and screen, her work has won commendations in Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Holland. In 2003 she was awarded a Centenary Medal. Libby consistently encourages the art form of poetry, with her 100 Views program and conducts workshops in schools, councils, libraries and universities in Australia and internationally. Libby has written stories and poetry all her life and loves encouraging young people to write a lot and read a lot. ‘To me reading is one of the most precious gifts we can have because it opens us to the world in all its richness and strangeness and delight’.
Anita Heiss – National Ambassador
Anita Heiss writes children’s, adult and historical fiction. She has been published widely and performs her work internationally. She is an Indigenous Literacy Day Ambassador and a Books in Homes Ambassador, and she supports the National Year of Reading because ‘Reading is the key that opens the door to every aspect of life’. Anita’s latest book is Paris Dreaming and in 2012 she’ll release Am I black enough for you: a memoir on identity.
Alison Lester – National Ambassador
Alison Lester is an Australian author and illustrator. She has published over 25 children's picture books and 2 young adult novels. In 2005 Alison won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year for her children's book, Are We There Yet?: A Journey around Australia. Her books have been published worldwide. Alison says of the National Year of Reading 2012 “I am absolutely stoked that Are We There Yet? has been chosen for the National Year of Reading's, one book, one country. It is a book that celebrates Australia and hopefully it will help get the country reading. I'm looking forward to working with libraries and bookshops to turn people on to books.”
Melbourne Football Club – National Ambassador
“We are proud to be ambassadors for the Read Like A Demon Program at the Melbourne Football Club and the National Year of Reading. We both enjoy reading, and we hope we can encourage young kids to get involved with their local library and reading. When you read, it becomes a special part of your life.” Cale Morton and Colin Garland, Melbourne Football Club.
Cale Morton with a student from the Write Like a Demon program (pictured)
Boori Monty Pryor – National Ambassador
Reading is an extraordinary gift we must all possess. How amazing to be able to go places through the rhythm of words that flash from the pages into your eyes then through your mind to take you places that you could only dream of going physically. To communicate to friends and loved ones by either snail mail or email. To bounce around the new cyber world of words speaking popular culture. To travel the path from the past to understand the present to lay a better path for the next. To be able to leave the legacy of one’s own story. My people kept stories far and beyond their time of conception by writing them through ochre stained words of art on the cathedral walls of stone, reverberating the past as present. How amazing that in the present with all the smart technology we have at our fingertips that every child in this great country of ours is not standing within the circle of reading and writing. Our world is a circle revolving. Our stories are within this circle evolving. So let's listen to those ocher stained words reverberating from cathedral walls and take not what we want but what is given - the extraordinary gift to be able to communicate through reading and writing. To tell everlasting stories.
Scott Pape – National Ambassador
Throughout my entire school career, I can't remember reading anything meatier than a menu. Yet that changed years ago when a wise bloke told me that in 20 years time I'd be the same person I am now 'except for the books you read and the people you meet'. I took him at his word. In the dozen or so years since school, I've read a book every couple of days (then again, I am making up for lost time). I know that I’m a different person because of the books that I've read, but more importantly, I continue to broaden my awareness, understanding and knowledge of life a little each day. And that's why I'm proud to be an ambassador of National Year of Reading 2012.
Steve Parish – National Ambassador
Steve Parish OAM is an internationally acclaimed nature photographer and publisher who is motivated by his lifelong passion for the natural world. He is deeply interested in the relationship between humans and the environment and has been photographing Australian social and natural history, both on land and under water, for 50 years. Steve lives in Brisbane, where he operates his award-winning company — Steve Parish Publishing. Steve is proud to be an ambassador for the National Year of Reading 2012 – “A life long connection with nature can begin in a book, it did for me” Steve Parish
Bernard Salt – National Ambassador
Bernard Salt is arguably Australia’s most prolific and most-quoted social commentator. He is the author of four popular and best-selling books on social change and is a twice-weekly columnist with The Australian newspaper. He is also a business advisor and one of the most in-demand corporate speakers in Australia. Bernard is a voracious reader of non-fiction works. “Reading is like putting money in the bank … every time you read you store something that you can draw down upon later in life. I am forever drawing upon bits and pieces that I might have read 20 years ago. That information sits there, hibernating, waiting, for the right moment to spring forth and impress someone with the extent of your knowledge. That’s why it’s so important especially for young people to read.”
Anne-Marie Schwirtlich – National Ambassador
My father was in the shoe manufacturing business and so some of my earliest reading materials were the shoe catalogues of the great European designers and illustrated anatomical tracts about feet. And, to this day, I retain my fascination with shoes! The house was full of books and, for me, reading has always been a joy, a haven, an education and an unfailing source of perspective. Reading has been essential to the development of my autonomy and understanding – an indispensable life skill and the best gift. You can see why I can’t imagine having a better job than that of Director-General of the National Library of Australia. We are delighted and honoured that the National Year of Reading will be launched at the National Library on the 14th of February and it will give me great pleasure to be an Ambassador for the National Year of Reading.
Deborah Abela – State Ambassador
Having always been short and a bit of a coward, Deborah dreamed of being braver and stronger, which is probably why she write books about spies, ghosts, soccer legends and characters who battle sea monsters and evil harbour lords. She's written the Max Remy Superspy series, Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend) series, The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen and Grimsdon. She’s won awards for her books but mostly hopes, one day, to be as brave and daring as the characters inside. She can't wait to get stuck into the National Year of Reading, so that every kid knows they can go wherever they please and be whoever they want, just by reading a book! Deborah is proud to be a NSW National Year of Reading ambassador.
Iris Beale - Territory Ambassador
I am the library manager at Taminmin Community Library in Humpty Doo, a little town in the rural area surrounding Darwin, in the Northern Territory. I can’t imagine a nicer job than mine, where in the same day I’m able to introduce babies to the magic of picture books, chat to older children about their latest greatest imaginary adventures and talk to adults about what they would like to read next. When I was little, I had a cupboard full of books at floor level. Whenever I opened the cupboard door, books tumbled out all around me. When I walk through a library door, there the books are, all around me, ready to tumble into my hands and delight me all over again.
Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland – State Ambassador
I’m delighted to be an Ambassador for National Year of Reading and I look forward to supporting the campaign in 2012. I love reading….it can take you anywhere you want to go.
Canberra Roller Derby League – Territory Ambassador
Any future derby girl or referee worth their skates has to first cut their teeth on 35 pages of essential rules reading before they can even think about hitting the flat track. At CRDL we believe that reading is one of the most enjoyable and essential skills for children and adults to learn, love and embrace. CRDL are proud to be National Year of Reading ambassadors for the ACT.
Troy Cook – State Ambassador
I am a former AFL player for the Sydney Swans and the Fremantle Dockers football Clubs. I’m currently working at the David Wirrpanda Foundation. The foundation promotes role models and healthy life choices to young Aboriginal people through the programs that we deliver. Education, Health, Leadership and Employment are our major focuses. Working at the foundation you are confronted with a large number of people battling with literacy issues. By becoming a reading ambassador I can encourage everyone I meet about the importance of reading, to change and reduce that number. Starting with my own children by reading them as many stories as I can.
Dr Gary Crew – State Ambassador
Dr. Gary Crew is Associate Professor and Head of Creative Writing at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is one of Australia's most awarded authors for youth, winning the Australian Children's Book of the Year Award four times, twice for his novels, twice for his illustrated books. He says: 'I guess that the real reason I came to love books is that reading was always a refuge for me. I was a little kid (now I'm a little man) and pretty sickly, so I never cared much for rough and tumble games at school. I would eat my vegemite sandwiches in 10 seconds flat and find a quiet place to hide –and read: usually the library. This has certainly paid off for me: I owe my entire creative output to my love of reading and its subsequent outcome in writing—over 70 novels and illustrated books, published all over the world—plus my academic career at university where I work with people of all ages to help them achieve their full potential as writers. The beauty of reading is that it provides a 'portable world': I carry a book with me at all times and if I need to run away, I simply open its pages. And what wonderful adventures I have had within those pages, and without…. All thanks to reading! A National Year of Reading ambassador for Queensland.
Phil Cummings – State Ambassador
Phil Cummings had his first book published by Omnibus/Penguin in 1989 and has since written over sixty books for children. He is an ambassador to the Premier’s Reading Challenge in South Australia and has been named South Australia’s National Literacy and Numeracy Champion three times. Phil is a highly recognized author and advocate of children’s literature and pleased to support the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for South Australia
Phil Davis, GWS Giants – Territory Ambassador
“I am proud to be an ambassador for the National Year of Reading. As an AFL footballer with the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS, I am very conscious of the value of a good education for young people and the pleasure derived from reading in particular. It not only develops literacy skills and knowledge but provides tremendous enjoyment. I want to encourage all people, particularly those in the ACT, to support the National Year of Reading.”
Cameron Dick, MP – State Ambassador
Cameron Dick is the Queensland Minister for Education and Industrial Relations and Member for Greenslopes and joins the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for Queensland. “Being an Ambassador for that National Year of Reading is a huge honour because reading is one of the most rewarding pastimes. It opens up new worlds and possibilities. It informs and entertains. Books and reading expand our capacity for empathy and teach us about new worlds. I know this is true from my own experience and I believe my love of reading has helped me get to where I am today. My father was a lover of Australian poetry, newspapers, books and reading in general. He passed this love on to his children and it something I am trying to pass on to my two young boys. While much of my time is spent reading official documents, when I get the chance I enjoy reading with my sons, as well as reading works of history and biography, as well as Australian crime novels.”
Nick Earls – State Ambassador
Nick Earls is the author of twelve novels and two collections of short stories. So far, five of his novels have become plays and two have been adapted into feature films. His most recent novel is The Fix. He was the founding chair of War Child in Australia and is an ambassador for the Pyjama Foundation, which has linked over 1000 readers with children in foster care who might otherwise miss out on being read to. He is a writer because books and stories have always been in his life, and telling stories seemed like a normal thing to do. When he worked out around age eight that the person whose name was on the front of the book got money for it, he decided he wanted that job. Proud to be a Queensland ambassador for the National Year of Reading.
Peter FitzSimons – State Ambassador
Peter FitzSimons joins the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for NSW. "Thirty years, while living and playing rugby in Italy, an old man said to me that the six secrets of a happy life are "viaggi, viaggi, viaggi, legge, legge, legge," as in travel, travel, travel, read, read, read. I have followed that formula since and passionately believe in it. And even if you can't travel easily, reading allows journeys of the mind, which are deeply fulfilling in another way..."
Jackie French – Territory Ambassador
Jackie French, an ACT National Year of Reading ambassador shares her thoughts on books and reading...’TV and DVDs show you the pictures. But when you read a book you can taste the ice cream.’...'A book is a big universe between small covers.’...'Books are created half by writers, and half by the reader - that's why every book you read is yours in a way that a TV show never can be.'... 'Do you know why people whisper in a library? It's because every shelf had a hundred universes packed inside the books - and if you speak to loudly who knows what might leak out.'...‘Reading is good for you - it helps you do better in everything from exams to explaining the universe. But that isn't why we read them. We read because it's fun.'
Susanne Gervay OAM – State Ambassador
An award winning author, Susanne writes about life with warmth, humour and passion. Her novel Butterflies is recognised as outstanding youth literature on disability, while I Am Jack is a rite-of-passage fiction on school bullying which has been adapted for the stage. Her latest book, Always Jack was awarded the Australian Family Therapist’s Award. Her story, Days of Thailand appears in Fear Factor along with stories by David Malouf, and Salman Rushdie. She has been invited to speak from New York, to Byron Bay and chairs The Sydney Children’s Writers & Illustrators Network. Susanne is proud to support the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for NSW.
Giggly Kids – State Ambassador
Giggly Kids, Kate Jarvis and David Bailiht are musical entertainers and songwriters for Children. “ For both of us, reading has and will always be a source of joy and inspiration. Reading a good book can take you to wonderful, imaginative and astonishing places. Reading and loving books as young children set a solid foundation of creativity for us as songwriters. To learn, explore, imagine and create as you read is such a delight and an important learning tool for children. We’re thrilled to promote reading to young people and proud to be ambassadors for The National Year of Reading.”
Grace Gill, Canberra United – Territory Ambassador
“Becoming absorbed by a book is like stepping into another world. I feel as though younger generations are increasingly moving further away from books. As an athlete, my role to promote reading and academic interest beyond the sporting arena is important - if I can encourage kids to pick up a book and experience a world beyond our own, then I’m playing my part.”
Richard Glover – State Ambassador
Richard Glover is pleased to support the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for NSW. He is the author of twelve books, including his latest, Why Men Are Necessary- a collection of comic pieces as featured on ABC Radio's Thank God It's Friday. His other books include the bestsellers In Bed with Jocasta, The Dag's Dictionary, Desperate Husbands and The Mud House. His weekly column has been published in the Sydney Morning Herald for over twenty years. Richard Glover presents Drive Monday-Friday on ABC Sydney 702. He lives with the Australian writer Debra Oswald. Most of his books are published by HarperCollins.
Peter Goldsworthy – State Ambassador
My father taught me to read at the age of three by reading 'Ant and Bee' to me. I've never stopped. We had no TV in the bush, so books were my screens, my windows, my doorways into other worlds, always offering the best views of anything and everything, from the magical parcels of books that arrived each month from the Country Lending Library in Adelaide, to the equally magical downloads on my new e- reader. Peter joins the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for South Australia.
Kate Gordon – State Ambassador
Kate is a Tasmanian author of young adult fiction. ‘I’m so very thrilled to have been asked to take part in this amazing initiative. Reading has been a source of comfort, escape, solace and constant awe and wonder throughout my life. I grew up in libraries, surrounded by books. Through all the tough times, they were my friends. They were my constant companions and it was them I could always rely on. Every time I turned a first page, I went down a rabbit hole into a different world. I met new people who became as real to me as my family. Reading captivates you and transports you in a way no other medium can. It builds and fuels the imagination. A book is the most wondrous of devices: a parallel universe that fits in the palm of your hand. I am so happy to be able to play a small role in passing on the joy of books to those who might not have yet discovered their magic.’
Heather Haselgrove – State Ambassador
Heather has been the CEO of Metro Tasmania, since July 2009. Metro is Tasmania’s largest passenger company, operating bus services in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. ‘The first book I remember reading as a child was Amelia Jane Again by Enid Blyton – I still have this book, the pages are yellow but it is still a loved book. I have an auntie who used to read to me, my sister and my brother whenever she visited. She made the stories come alive and we all loved curling up on the lounge with her. My latest discovery is the Kindle an e-book reader. While is does not have the look and feel of a book it is very convenient and I have now made the transition ordering books which are delivered to the device over the wireless network. Over the Christmas to New Year break I was reading a book every two days – it is one of the ways I relax and recharge the batteries.’
Cameron Ilett – Territory Ambassador
Captain of Northern Territory Thunder, and dual best-and-fairest winner, Cameron also works for the Clontarf Academy at Kormilda College. The Clontarf Academy works in partnership with schools and seeks to improve the education, discipline, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Indigenous people and to equip them to participate meaningfully in society. Each Clontarf Academy is focussed on encouraging behavioural change, developing positive attitudes, assisting students to complete school and secure employment. Fundamental to this, is the development of values, skills and abilities that will assist the boys to achieve better life outcomes.“I’m extremely proud to be an ambassador for the National Year of Reading. Being able to read empowers you with knowledge and with knowledge anything is possible.”
Jarred Ilett – Territory Ambassador
Jarred Ilett is the CEO of NT Thunder (QLD/NT AFL) and a former fireman with NT Police Fire and Emergency Services. Jarred is also the editor of Intensity Sports Magazine, which acknowledges and encourages local Indigenous sports people. As a National Year of Reading ambassador for the Northern Territory, Jarred says: “Reading is an essential skill that I utilise everyday in training as a Fire Fighter, editing as part of my duties with Intensity Sports Magazine and knowing the game plan for the Territory Thunder Football Club. The knowledge, skills and confidence I have gained through reading has lead to amazing opportunities in my life. Get involved in the National Year of Reading as it will give you the power and control of what you want to do in your life.”
Frané Lessac – State Ambassador
Frané Lessac is an author/illustrator with over thirty-five children's books published throughout the world. She constantly shares the process of writing and illustrating books at schools, libraries and festivals in metropolitan, rural and remote communities in Australia. "What an honour, to be invited to make a positive contribution and raise national awareness of books and reading, empowering both children and adults along the way." Frané joins the National Year of Reading initiative as an ambassador for Western Australia.
Kate Lundy, Senator – Territory Ambassador
I have always tried to instil a joy of reading in my kids from a young age. Reading can help drive a lifelong pursuit of learning and assist children to understand and engage with the world around them. My kids loved Harry Potter and as a mother I did my best to encourage and motivate their passion and interest in books. But as a parent I know it’s mostly about setting an example because you’re their first role model. These days I like to relax with a good science-fiction novel or an interesting biography. I particularly enjoy reading stories that chart the experiences of some of our newest Australians who have overcome considerable barriers to successfully settle in our community. I don’t care what genre my kids are passionate about, I just hope they continue to pick up books and read, read, read! I encourage all parents to pick up a book and read with their children. The fact is strong literacy skills empower children and gives them confidence in all facets of life.
Clare Martin – Territory Ambassador
Professor Clare Martin, Fellow at the Northern Institute of Charles Darwin University and former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. Before taking up her appointment at CDU in August 2010, Clare was the CEO of the Australian Council for Social Service, the peak body for the community services sector and national voice for Australians on low incomes. In 2001, Clare Martin became the first ever Labor Chief Minister. Over her time in Government, Clare held a number of ministries, ranging from Treasury to Police, Arts, Tourism, Indigenous Policy and Asian Relations and Trade. Before entering politics, Clare was a broadcaster and journalist with the ABC in Sydney, Canberra and Darwin. As a NT ambassador, Clare says “Reading is one of the great delights of my life - it's also one of the essentials -for all of us. So I jumped at the opportunity to become an advocate for the National Year of Reading in 2012 as a Territory Ambassador - and promote an activity that is both vital and fun”.
Louise Maher – Territory Ambassador
Louise Maher is a journalist and broadcaster who presents the Drive show each weekday on 666 ABC Canberra and joins the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for the ACT . I can imagine just about anything – but not a world without books or a life without reading. Stories are the way we learn to understand our world and the people who inhabit it. Reading transports us to new places – whether it’s the other side of the universe or deep into someone else’s imagination or memory. Part of the thrill is never knowing where the journey will end. I remember the delight of being given books as a child, spending Saturday mornings at the local library and reading to my children before they went to sleep. Books have always been my solace and inspiration and I look forward to sharing my love of reading with those who’ve yet to discover it.
Manly Sea Eagles – State Ambassador
The Manly Sea Eagles recognise that reading is a cornerstone for a child's success in school and throughout life, so we are thrilled to be NSW Ambassadors for the 2012 National Year of Reading and take on that responsibility with pride and commitment. We have an existing reading program "Sea Eagles Reads" which uses first grade rugby league players as mentors and tutors in weekly reading sessions in public, Catholic and independent primary schools. Developed seven years ago, this program is now embedded in the culture of the Manly Sea Eagles, with inspiration and energy each year stemming from the positive difference this program makes with children in schools- boys and girls.
Tania McCartney – Territory Ambassador
Tania McCartney is an author, publisher, editor and marshmallow fanatic, with a deep passion for books and literacy. She founded popular site Kids Book Review and runs Bedtime Stories––a literary initiative for Australian Women Online. Tania is published in both children’s and adult’s books, and is the author of the Riley the Little Aviator series of travelogue adventures. She has lived and worked in England, France and China, where she wrote Beijing Tai Tai: life, laughter and motherhood in China’s capital, due for re-release in 2012. In keeping with her love of children’s literature, Tania is penning several books for the National Library of Australia, the first of which––Australian Story: An Illustrated Timeline––will be released early 2012. Tania regularly speaks and presents to adults and children on literary topics, and is thrilled to support the National Year of Reading as an Ambassador for the ACT.
Nadine Maloney – Territory Ambassador
I can’t imagine not having at least one book on the go and a massive pile of others waiting to be picked up. I love libraries too and I’ll always include a visit to one whenever I travel to a new city. I remember family trips to our local library where we’d all borrow the maximum amount of books and afterwards the house would be silent for the entire weekend because everyone was curled up in a comfy spot reading. I read mainly to be entertained, to escape and to learn but sometimes I reread Jane Austen, Miles Franklin, Banjo Patterson, Maeve Binchy and Kerry Greenwood just to know my favourite characters are still there. I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for the National Year of Reading and I can’t wait to get involved with the many events planned at the Alice Springs Public Library.
Melanie Milburne – State Ambassador
Melanie Milburne is an award winning, best selling romance author based in Tasmania but published by Harlequin Mills and Boon in London. With more than six million books sold world-wide and translated into several languages, she is currently working her way to her fiftieth title. She learned to read at a young age and was fascinated by words and the worlds they could create in her head when she read or was read to. As a trained teacher, she can't think of a greater joy that teaching someone to read. “I can't imagine what my life would have been like without books. They are like friends I've accumulated over the years. The different genres document the journey I've been on as a person as well as a writer.”
Marie Munkara – Territory Ambassador
Marie was awarded the 2010 Northern Territory Book of the Year Award for her first novel “Every Secret Thing“, published by UQP in 2009, which has been described as a landmark text in indigenous writing. Marie a member of the NT Writers Centre, was overjoyed at being invited to act as a NT Ambassador for the National Year of Reading. “Words are the one of the most powerful weapons that we have in the world today. We use words to start wars and we use them to tell someone that we love them. I can’t imagine a world without words. The written word is even more amazing because by reading you can visit other countries, other solar systems and journey into the inner reaches of a persons mind. There can never be enough books in the world to read. Imagine what the world would be like if everybody read one book per week. There would be no time for disharmony and pain and suffering, no bombs. There would just be the peaceful sounds of millions of books opening and closing and pages turning. Well I guess I can dream can’t I (with a book in my hand of course). In the meantime though we have to do more to get our schools and parents to understand that without the ability to read our kids will never reach their full human potential. And that’s not only a loss for their families but a loss for the whole planet as well.”
Rachel Nolan – State Ambassador
Rachel Nolan MP is the Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and the Arts. She has been Member for Ipswich since 2001. Prior to this she was Minister for Transport (March 2009-February 2011) and, earlier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs Seniors and Youth. Ms Nolan was first elected at the age of 26, making her the youngest woman ever elected to the Queensland Parliament. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) specialising in Government and Economics and was the University of Queensland Young Alumnus of the Year in 2006. Prior to entering Parliament Ms Nolan was a Policy and Media Advisor to the Queensland Treasurer and to the Northern Territory Leader of the Opposition. She lived overseas for some years and studied community development in India with Oxfam. Ms Nolan is passionate about the Arts and is an advocate for women's rights, the environment and sustainability and is proud to be a National Year of Reading ambassador for Queensland.
Ben O’Donoghue – State Ambassador
For chef, author and television presenter Ben O’Donoghue, cooking is a passion and a reflex, it’s something he’s done since childhood and it never ceases to give him pleasure or stimulate his imagination. He unequivocally believes that food should be simple and distinctive, technically and culturally correct. He shares his love of cooking, local produce and passion for the industry with television viewers through his cooking shows, readers through his bestselling books and diners as part owner of Brisbane restaurant and bar, South Bank Surf Club. When not in the kitchen Ben is frequently working at his laptop writing a regular column for Delicious Magazine in Australia as well as writing cookbooks. The next book to be penned by Ben will explore all the delicious vibrancy of Australia’s best Farmer’s Markets. From bustling inner city icons to charming regional destinations; Ben will showcase the producers, the amazing regional produce and of course some mouth-watering recipes unique to each different area of the country. In his spare time, Ben enjoys surfing, fly-fishing, reading and playing with his three children. He is pleased to support the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for Queensland.
Rob Paxevanos – Territory Ambassador
Rob Paxevanos, host of Fishing Australia joins the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for the ACT. My dad migrated here from Greece at the age of 18 having only grade 4 Greek Language skills under his belt. With English as a second language he brought up my 4 brothers as a single parent for much of our childhood. Working at his factory, and on the farm, and enjoying being boys was the focus rather than reading and learning ‘perfect’ English. There are some ocker sayings that are still only understood by my brothers and I. However we all realized that investing time in Literacy is investing in a better quality of life, so..while none of us were never going to be an oxford scholars, we did our best and improved along the way. You know the old saying about Necessity being the mother of Invention: reading about things I loved like fishing, sport, Tin Tin Comics and much more was the biggest help for me and made me realize the joys and wonders of the written word. 15 years ago, my first fishing article took two weeks to write, I can now do a much better job in under and hour. (Thank goodness for spell check on computers when I started out). There is always more to learn, and knowing a new word is like having an extra lure in your tackle box-both are very handy when you need them. I hope my journey in this area helps encourage people that anyone can learn to read and write or further their literary skills.
Amanda Pernechele – Territory Ambassador
Amanda Pernechele is a television presenter for a tourism-based segment called ‘The Scoop’ and is the Marketing and Promotions Manager for Southern Cross Television, Amanda says: Thankyou for inviting me to be an NT Ambassador for National Year of Reading 2012. Being in the media for the past several years would have been impossible without the love of reading and writing. Not only does it give you power and knowledge in a work sense but wherever you are in the world, you know you can curl up in bed with a fantastic book and feel right at home. Reading expands your mind and your heart!
Perth Wildcats – State Ambassador
“The Perth Wildcats are the most successful team in the National Basketball League having won a record five championships and playing in a remarkable 25 straight finals series. However, being a positive influence in the West Australian community is just as important to the Perth Wildcats as any success on the basketball court is. The club is enormously active in the community with promotional appearances, school clinics, community camps and many other things to help the community. Another area the club is proud to be involved with in terms of the community is to help further literacy in primary schools. The Wildcats are developing a program to encourage kids to read and there is no question that being part of the National Year of Reading is a massive step in making that happen.”
Professor Alan Powell – State Ambassador
Alan has published extensively in north Australian and World War 2 history. His latest book, Northern Voyagers: Australia’s Monsoon Coast in Maritime History, won the Queensland Premier’s 2011 History Award. Alan has two books on the short list for the National Year of Reading 2012 One Country Reading Competition for the Northern Territory. “When I was young I roamed widely and worked at many jobs in different fields; but I had strong reading skills and eventually made good use of them to do what I loved best, teaching and researching in History. Reading is essential in our ever more complex world, for work purposes; there is virtually no job that does not require the ability to read – and to understand what you read. But there is another dimension: Everything human beings have thought and done, every facet of life, is set down in words – and reading opens entire new worlds of information and delight to the reader. This I see all around me and I know from my own experience: So I’m more than happy to add my voice to the National Year of Reading 2012.”
Kevin Rudd MP – State Ambassador
I am proud to be a Queensland Ambassador for the 2012 National Year of Reading. It is an honour to be involved in this terrific program. It takes only ten minutes of reading to make a significant difference to children’s futures. It doesn’t matter what you read – a book, a newspaper, a poem, a magazine – it matters that you read. I hope we can encourage families, especially all the dads out there, to build a habit of daily reading so we can ensure our children have the tools to reach their full potential.
Damien Ryan, Mayor of Alice Springs – Territory Ambassador
I love to read as it takes you on an adventure and you can explore places that you may never get to visit. No matter what topic you’re interested in, whether you’re young or old, you can always find what our looking for at the Library. I think libraries themselves are amazing places where all members of a community can come together for a common purpose. More and more these days local libraries are evolving into community hubs and multi-media information sources. The Alice Springs Public Library is one of my favourite places to go. Our Library has over 8,500 members; a circulating collection of about 46,000 books, videos, journals, spoken word books and music; and up to 1000 visitors a day! Mayor Ryan is pleased to support the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for the Northern Territory.
Lisa Scaffidi, Lord Mayor of Perth – State Ambassador
In a multi media and tablet world it is easy to forget about the value of reading and how it allows us to be transported away from our day to day and learn, explore and appreciate so very much. I am very proud to be an ambassador for Western Australia and believe the sheer simplicity of reading is something we can and all should cherish so very much.
Scotty & Nige – Territory Ambassador
Nige has been labelled as Captain Grammar on the 104.7 Breakfast Show for years, such is his love of the English language and all things reading, it’s a true story that in Kindergarten he was marched around his school cause he could spell the word Pharmacy, yep, he was that kid. Scotty on the other hand was really a late bloomer to reading, sure he read what he had to in school, but he would rather have been playing sport. Now you can’t stop Scotty, in fact in 2011, he’s quite proud of the fact he’s read 24 novels (including the entire 16 Jack Reacher novels in 4 months). To be asked to be ACT ambassadors for the 2012 National Year of Reading is something both Scotty & Nige are quite excited about.
Steve Sunk – Territory Ambassador
Steve Sunk, Order of Australia and nationally recognised celebrity chef, known as the ‘Walkabout Chef’, works in remote Indigenous communities through the Charles Darwin University Commercial Cookery and Vet Courses to improve nutrition and spread messages about healthy eating. As a National Year of Reading ambassador for the Northern Territory, Steve understands that reading is essential when cooking. “I run a program called Cook for the Family, supported by the Federal Government as part of the Closing The Gap initiative. My program aims to encourage cooking at home with simple ingredients and cooking equipment. You must be able to read to cook successfully. You need to be able to read food labels, read and understand quantities and numbers on measuring spoons and scales, frying pans and stoves, and follow the instructions on recipes. You will need to write down the list of ingredients, and to read the variety of information in supermarkets and community stores. Reading and writing, therefore, are essential cooking ingredients, just like milk, flour, eggs, sugar and meat. I strongly encourage you all to learn and practice reading and cooking. bon appetite!”
Professor Emeritus Roly Sussex – State Ambassador
My life is full of words. Almost as long as I can remember I have enjoyed stories, good writing, the pleasure of reading, and the special pleasure of picking up a new book – everything from the expectation to the smell of paper and printing. I started reading to my children when they were very young, and we explored the sounds of words and the ways stories twist and turn. I dream in words in 5 languages. My grandson is two and a half, and lives in Hobart. I like reading bedtime stories to him by Skype. In line with his role as Chair of the Library Board of Queensland, Roly Sussex is pleased to be a National Year of Reading ambassador for Queensland.
Shaun Tan – State Ambassador
Shaun Tan was born in Fremantle in 1974 and graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1995. Shaun has received worldwide acclaim as an illustrator and author of such works as The Red Tree and Tales from Outer Suburbia. His illustrated work The Arrival is an international best seller, winning multiple awards. He wrote and directed the short film The Lost Thing from the book of the same name, which won the 2011 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. In the same year he received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, a prestigious international prize for children’s and young adult literature. Shaun continues to break new ground in art and storytelling. Shaun is pleased to support the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for Western Australia.
Matt Toomua, CA Brumbies – Territory Ambassador
“One of the best ways to switch off and relax at the end of a long day of training is to pick up a good book,” said Toomua. “I haven’t always been the biggest reader, but it’s something I have become more involved with the older I get and I’d certainly like to encourage other people to follow my lead. “Having grown up in Australia where the literacy rates are among the highest on earth, we can often take the skills we learn as kids for granted. “As an Ambassador for the National Year of Reading, I’ll be making a big effort to ensure that more people are reading books right around the ACT and broader Australia.”
Hieu Van Le – State Ambassador
Mr Hieu Van Le AO, Lieutenant Governor of South Australia and Chairman, South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission joins the National Year of Reading as an ambassador for South Australia. "Reading and writing opens up the gate to knowledge and wisdom. Here in our multicultural Australia, languages not only expand our minds but help us to truly appreciate other values and cultures. Literature provides a deep and profound reflection of who we are. It helps us to build bridges and understand other people’s cultures."
Sean Williams – State Ambassador
Sean Williams is an award-winning, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of thirty-five novels, seventy-five short stories, and the odd odd poem. He writes for adults, young adults and children, and occasionally dabbles in worlds he loved as a young reader, such as Star Wars and Doctor Who. “Reading doesn’t just help us know more. It’s about experiencing, feeling more and being more. It opens our minds and hearts to the entirety of human experience. Literacy is the key to a full life in the twenty-first century--and beyond.” Sean is pleased to be a National Year of Reading ambassador for South Australia.
Suzy Wilson – State Ambassador
A year of celebrating books and reading! Could life get any better? I owe so much to books. They have given me great joy, companionship, knowledge. They have provided me with both a job and an accompanying sense of purpose. Equality of opportunity needs literacy as an ally. It is essential for employment and we know literacy is a pathway out of disadvantage. It is an honour to be invited to be an Queensland Ambassador and have the opportunity to join with many to support literacy initiatives. Suzy Wilson is the owner of Riverbend Books & Teahouse and the Founder of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. She has been awarded the Dromkeen Medal for “being a catalyst in changing children’s lives through literature.”
Fiona Wood – State Ambassador
Professor Fiona Wood, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specialising in acute burn care and scar reconstruction joins us as an ambassador for Western Australia. "Reading for me is exploration, ideas, places , emotions. I read to relax, to keep my brain ticking, although the pace of that ticking can change from minute to minute! Reading for me is also about problem solving. What has been written about the clinical problem of burn injury is essential reading for me, it provides a starting point, that is, the edge of knowledge, providing the scope of the problem and the extent of the challenge, to add to that body of knowledge to improve the outcomes of people suffering burn injury into the future. I love a good story teller who can enthral me to loose the track of time".
John X – State Ambassador
John is an actor and has been performing in Tasmanian productions since 1987, and during that time has enjoyed a career around the country and touring Asia. John is co-founder of Blue Cow Theatre Inc., Hobart's own independent actors company and Bawdy Pantos, Hobart's annual grown-up pantomime. His professional credits include Threepenny Opera for STC/Malthouse/Vic Opera, Boy From Oz for The Production Company, Jekyll & Hyde for TML, Billy Elliot The Musical for Working Title/Universal and The Lion King for Disney Theatrical.
Stephen Yarwood, Lord Mayor of Adelaide – State Ambassador
I’m very pleased to support the National Year of Reading as a South Australian Ambassador, as reading plays a fundamental role in my life. As I’ve progressed from the adventures of Tin Tin as a child, to the cyberpunk of Neuromancer as a teenager, to seminal works on city planning as a professional city planner and now Lord Mayor, my beliefs have been profoundly shaped by the stories and ideas in books. In addition, technology now offers us vast opportunities for reading. I encourage you to join Twitter, download e-books or surf the net for interesting blogs from people pushing the boundaries of literature. It’s all waiting for you to discover!
