Australian Literacy Events You Need To Know About
With a large variety of literacy-based events held each year, Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting involved in the country’s literary landscape.
Here is a rundown of the annual events and how they contribute to improving literacy levels and standards of writing in Australia:
INDIGENOUS LITERACY DAY
Photo by Indigenous Literacy Foundation
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a national book industry charity. They aim to improve literacy levels in children from remote Indigenous communities by providing programs and books to close the literacy gap. Each year, they host Indigenous Literacy Day, which focuses on a new theme to inspire and promote Indigenous culture. This year’s theme was Celebrating Stories and Language, with virtual celebrations held on Wednesday September 1st, featuring inspiring video stories from First Nations people, such as The Voice coach and singer Jessica Mauboy.
The foundation runs programs to promote literacy levels in remote communities, with a focus on literature and stories that celebrate the language and culture of Indigenous people. Each year, they encourage people to participate in The Great Book Swap to raise funds for books that have cultural relevance to children in Indigenous communities.
“We are a national book industry charity dedicated to lifting literacy levels in remote Indigenous communities, so all children across Australia have the same choices and opportunities.” – The Indigenous Literacy Foundation
AUSTRALIA’S READING HOUR
“We believe reading is the key to a smarter, healthier, happier nation.” - Australia Reads
Australia’s Reading Hour is hosted each year by Australia Reads, an exciting collaboration within the Australian book industry that focuses on the benefits of reading to support mental wellbeing and literacy skills. Their motto, “More Books, More Often”, inspires Australians to read widely and regularly. Each year, they host Australia’s Reading Hour, which aims to have people reading for one hour from 7pm. This year's event was held on Tuesday September 14th, with events hosted in libraries, bookstores, schools and virtually.
Their hashtag, #AustraliaReadsAtHome, encourages people to use their time at home (as this is where we’ve spent a lot of it recently!) to read and delve into the alternate worlds’ books provide us with.
“Our purpose is to champion reading as a healthy daily habit to help improve outcomes for all Australians.” – Australia Reads
LOVE YOUR BOOKSHOP DAY
Love Your Bookshop Day is hosted in October each year, encouraging readers to support their local bookshops. Events are hosted throughout stores in Australia, such as author talks, book club meetings and story readings.
The Australian Booksellers Association created the initiative “to celebrate bookshops across the country and highlight what makes local bookshops great.”
This years’ was held on October 9th, with a range of competitions held including poetry writing and a children’s colouring competition, with book vouchers and LYB merchandise as prizes!
Love your Bookshop Day will be held on October 8th in 2022.
“Let’s celebrate Australia’s unique community of bookshops. Their shelves are filled with exciting stories, new friends, important history lessons and adventures into other worlds.” - Love Your Bookshop
THE MS READATHON
The MS Readathon is held in August each year, inspiring kids to read for a cause. The aim is for children to read as many as books as they can throughout the month and raise funds that go towards hosting camps for children who have a parent with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a neurological condition that affects nerve impulses and causes fatigue, balance and coordination issues, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties. There is no cure.
By raising funds for Family Fun Days and MS Family Camps, the MS Readathon can support families affected by this condition, while encouraging children to read as widely as possible.
“These events provide an opportunity for kids who have a parent living with multiple sclerosis to spend quality time with their family, learn more about multiple sclerosis and bond with other kids who are sharing their journey.” - The MS Readathon
This year’s Readathon raised $2,374,416, with over 27,000 participants reading and raising money for the cause.
“The MS Readathon inspires kids to read as much as they can, all for one incredible cause. The rules are simple. Read whatever you like, as much as you can, throughout the month of August.” - The MS Readathon
MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL
Held annually in September, the Melbourne Writers’ Festival brings together readers and writers for a program of events centered on books, writing, and reading culture.
A diverse program of themed discussions, author talks, poetry readings, writers forums, masterclasses, photography exhibitions and performances are held during the festival.
Due to this years’ lockdown restrictions, MWF has included a range of virtual programs on their website, which will continue throughout November 2021.
There are three programs currently available to access on their website:
Writers on Film: a documentary series exploring the lives of three local authors
Writing Melbourne: a collection of excerpts of original writing with illustrations by local artists
Melbourne Beginnings: a storytelling competition designed to encourage international students to write about their experience studying in Melbourne
Since 2019, the festival has partnered with the State Library Victoria, with future events planned to be held in the library’s renovated spaces.
The 2022 festival will be held between September 2nd and 11th.
“We bring people together to celebrate words and stories, and share the human experience.” – MFW
SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
“A festival for Readers, Writers and Thinkers”
The Sydney Writers’ Festival is a celebration of literature for readers and writers. Held annually in May, SWF features over 400 writers who contribute to a range of discussions and performances for over 80,000 people, including those in remote communities.
“Our Live & Local streaming program brings our Festival to life in regional libraries and community centres right across the country.” - SWF
The festival supports local authors, both established and upcoming, while creating a public platform for people to engage with books and expose readers to a variety of Australian and international literature.
The Family, Young Adult and Education Programs and Children’s Festival of Moving Stories promote further literary engagement with younger audiences. With a line-up of international and local guests, the festival’s events inspire and encourage people to continue to foster their love of writing and reading, and to engage with the ideas literature presents us with.
The 2022 festival will be held between May 16th and 22nd.
“We’ve celebrated prize-winning authors, long-awaited novels from writers at the height of their careers, and have introduced debut authors to eager and enthusiastic new audiences.” - SWF
WORDS: DEMI BALL
PHOTOGRAPHY FROM WEBSITES LISTED
PHOTOGRAPHY FROM WEBSITES LISTED
