2021 Impact Report by Indigenous Literacy Foundation

2021

2021 IMPACT REPORT

ILF Impact Report 2021

WISDOMS AND KNOWLEDGES Standard English does not acknowledge multiple knowledges or wisdoms, so it is never used in the plural. However, in Indigenous cultures that are diverse, the wisdoms and knowledges can extend across cultures, and are also closely connected to kinship and Country.

Artworks by Michaeline Mungatopi

ILF Impact Report 2021

AcknOwledgemenT AcknOwledgemenT

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)

acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their continuous connections to Country, Community and cultures. We pay our respects to First Nations peoples, their narratives, traditions and practices, and to Elders both past and present. We acknowledge the long lasting strength and resilience of the peoples that have come before us, and we stand with Elders of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations. We honour the continued connections between Country, stories and peoples. We wish to pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as they will become our future leaders, Elders and Custodians of Country. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Lands on which our head office is based in Sydney.

ILF Impact Report 2021

Our Story

The Foundation was established in 2010, having been initially set up in 2003 as the Riverbend Readers’ Challenge, before evolving in 2007 to the Indigenous Literacy Project (ILP), in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation. Our Founder Suzy Wilson, a bookshop owner and former teacher, established ILP and lobbied to gain the support of the Australian Book Industry.

VISION Reading opens doors to future opportunities and choices.

ILF Impact Report 2021

purpose Our purpose is to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote Communities to provide the tools and resources they request to shape the direction of their children’s literacy futures. Through collaborative investment in Community and meaningful strategic partnerships, the ILF supports sustainable and positive change in Indigenous literacy through the supply of books and a focus on the publication of First Nations content. We aim to advocate and build awareness among the wider Australian population of the strengths, knowledges and wisdoms held within remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. ILF Impact Report 2021

values Our focus is on building and maintaining relationships with remote Communities. Our Foundation’s values are:

D IVERSITY RESPECT TRU ST EQU ITY These values underpin how we operate in every aspect of our work. 3

coNtents Acknowledgement

Our Story

Message from our CEO

Message from our co-Chair and Milestones

Our Co-Patrons and Founder

Ambassadors and Where we work

Our Growing Team

Tribute to Karen Williams

Book Supply and Book Buzz

Community Publishing Projects

Our Partner

Financials

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan May 2021 – May 2023

Artwork from Bidyadanga Community, Western Australia

ilf.org.au

Indigenous Literacy Day

Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork by Dianne (Tictac) Moore

thanK You Pirntany (Stingray)

Thank you

Fundraising and Community Engagement

ILF Impact Report 2021

“ The ILF is a fantastic organisation that continues to play a vital role in positively impacting early literacy in remote Communities. Our partnership with ILF is incredibly important to everyone at Penguin Random House and we are honoured to have had such a long standing association. We are fundamentally aligned with the ILF ethos of fostering culture, stories, language and literacy. Over the last 15 years we have worked with the ILF on various projects highlighted by the mentorship program with the Tiwi Island students and publishing the Japarrika series. We are also thrilled to have played a part, through donations, in enabling the ILF to continue the important work they do to invest in, and support young readers and families in remote Indigenous Communities across Australia.” JULIE BURLAND, CEO, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE, ANZ

ILF Impact Report 2021

advocacy

At ILF we have moved away from terms like ‘closing the gap’ or sharing NAPLAN results to explain why we work in this space. Instead of focusing on deficit and disadvantage, we aim to focus on the positive attributes, strengths and resilience of the rich diverse First Nations cultures and knowledges, of which there are many. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities have the wisdoms, knowledges, skills and traditional literacy, beyond a Western literacy framework. ILF supports Communities with the tools and resources they request to lead their own, authentic literacy journeys.

Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ languages, histories and cultures is at the forefront of how theILF ILFImpact operates. Report 2021

“Our Communities are vibrant, strong, and highly intelligent. We have literacy around culture, Land and Community, but how Communities engage with a highly Western concept of literacy is different. I want to engage Communities in those conversations around literacy so they can redefine that space themselves. My vision for the ILF is for the organisation to support remote Communities to engage in literacy in the ways they wish.”

BEN BOWEN, ILF CEO

Ben Bowen

yamaNdhu Marang, Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Karen Williams who held the role of Executive Director for ILF for the last 16 years. Karen warmly welcomed me to the ILF team, and supported and guided me in taking on this privileged role. Her legacy is enormous and I personally thank her for her dedication, commitment and leadership in growing this impactful and dynamic organisation. Please see the tribute to Karen on page 9 of this report. Like everyone, in 2021, the Foundation operated in the continuous flux of a pandemic-impacted world, and had to constantly adapt to accommodate lockdowns, border closures and changing government regulations. I joined ILF in early October 2021, when Sydney was in a hard lockdown. In my first two months, team meetings were online and a hybrid working model has since become the new norm. Despite the challenges, there were many incredible outcomes from 2021 that you will read in this report, from book launches in Tiwi, Borroloola, Fitzroy Crossing and Mparntwe (Alice Springs), to the release of the Foundation’s impressive Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. We also finalised a long-awaited interactive Community Map, celebrated Indigenous Literacy Day with over 70 short video stories, and welcomed many new and wonderfully generous donors and sponsors. I am fortunate to be able to bring to ILF my Aboriginal heritage and experience, having grown up as part of a thriving Indigenous Community. My focus is on how we collaborate with remote Communities and platform the knowledges, skills, spirit and strengths of people in Community to publish their stories in languages of their choice. My initial focus was to develop a strategy for the ILF’s next chapter. I felt incredibly honoured and excited to be leading the process of listening, learning, collaborating, and reviewing ideas and experiences with ILF staff, Board members, Ambassadors and Community Elders. Our Communities and families are strong. They are the backbone of our cultures and our first educators. My aim is for remote Communities to drive our process; to anchor the ILF’s literacy programs into family and Community structures. It is a powerful thing that can change the world for us. We will be led by “Community Priorities”, the literacy priorities identified by each Community’s Elders. This process is imperative if we are to continue to develop trusting and respectful relationships, and collaborate on long term, sustainable outcomes. To achieve this, our key strategic goals are to: • recruit Indigenous Peoples to remain in their Community to work on “Community Priorities”. This will ultimately improve program and publishing delivery work in Community, increasing the number of projects and the speed at which projects can progress from initiation through to completion. • partner with key Community organisations to build cross-organisational collaboration to improve our focus on Community Priorities. • focus on a major shift in internal culture with the development of a Cultural Framework to build the internal understanding, knowledge, skill sets and attitudes when working for and in collaboration with Indigenous Communities. Of course, none of this can happen without the generous support from our sponsors and donors. I thank you for your continued support and your trust in this process. Together, we will work as change-makers to champion Indigenous cultures, languages and stories, and support remote Communities to develop literacy opportunities that are relevant, authentic and long-lasting. Together, led by Elders and Community members, we will continue to support their literacy journeys in ways they determine.

Mandaang guwu, Ben Bowen

From ProfesSor tony dreise, guumilaroI | euahlaYi anD dr Marnie o’bryaN CO-CHAIRS, ILF

yaamA/Hello Much like 2020, the year 2021 would have to be one of the most challenging in recent times. COVID, border closures, and lockdowns all contributed to the testing times that communities and organisations faced across Australia and worldwide. When one looks back and considers such bleak backdrops, it is extraordinary that ILF managed to power on doing what we do best, delivering treasured stories to children and families in Australia’s most remote corners.

Prof Tony Dreise, Co-Chair

ILF could not do what we do without the generosity and wisdom of many people, including staff, Board, and Community and industry partners. Our highly talented staff have been exceptional in tracking forward against lockdowns and continue to be at the forefront of keeping the ILF charter alive by working, creatively, and adaptively. Our organisational leadership in 2021 saw a strong baton change from our long-serving Executive Director Karen Williams to our new CEO Ben Bowen. The enormity of Karen’s contribution to ILF cannot be overstated. At the same time, the excitement of having Ben as a First Nations CEO is palpable. One of the bedrocks of ILF is the Board and our Ambassadors. The rich blend of Community champions, industry leaders, and experts in education, law, finance and publishing on the Board is a major reason our organisation continues to grow from strength to strength. Equally, the galaxy of stars that volunteer as ILF Ambassadors continues to be something to behold. ILF is similarly blessed by our generous sponsors and partners. Most of our donors are mums, dads and families that donate because they undoubtedly treasure the gift of storytelling from one generation to the next, including from Elders to children. In addition to our generous private sponsors, our corporate sponsors have delivered enormous value to ILF’s quest.

Dr Marnie O’Bryan, Co-Chair

ILF is an incredible and special gathering. Our collaboration in 2021 brought together remote and urban; black and white; education and industry; young and old. In 2022 and beyond, ILF continues to strive for excellence. We have an extraordinary opportunity to provide books to our babies and young people in English and increasingly deliver books to all young Australians – including our bubs - in First Nations languages.

our board

Michael Aird

Leitha Assan

Merrkiyawuy Laura Harris Ganambarr-Stubbs (Dec 2021 transitioned to Community Advisor)

Anna Low, (Until Dec 2021)

Louise Sherwin-Stark

Alicia Stewart

ILF Impact Report 2021

Yalmay Paul MacDonald, Marika-Yunupuyŋu Secretary (Dec 2021 transitioned to Community Advisor)

2021 Milestones Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

May 2021 – May 2023

Artwork by Dianne (Tictac) Moore

Published ILF’s first graphic novels

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan launched

ILF’s first Indigenous CEO appointed Supported 325 Communities

92,000 40 83

with

books

Published

Supported

books in 11 languages

playgroups with Book Buzz

ILF Impact Report 2021

our patrons

We are honoured to have two incredible leaders as Patrons to the Foundation. JUNE OSCAR AO First Nations languages, stories and songs are the foundation of our society and existence. Our languages hold the knowledges of the Country—they help all of life to speak, such as the rivers, mountains and trees, lizards, and birds. Without our languages and stories these non-human beings that are integral to the functioning of life can too easily be ignored and mistaken as silent. First Nations languages describe the earth in all its complexity and brilliance. The ILF knows this and is finding ways to document our stories and First Languages in contemporary forms, so our children, families and cultures continue to thrive. ILF understands how empowering it is to be able to write, read and hear our stories in both English and our First Languages. It can ensure the intergenerational transference of the oldest stories and knowledges on earth, while laying the pathway for our children to walk successfully between Indigenous and non-indigenous worlds. JUNE OSCAR AO

The Foundation supports First Nations Communities all across Australia to self-determine how they can use literacy in their lives. There are hundreds of Community members becoming authors, publishing books in their languages, and teaching our young people to read and hold our stories, ready to share with another generation. It brings me so much joy to be co-Patron of ILF and watch the Foundation, and our young people, grow from strength to strength.

HON.QUENTIN BRYCE AD CVO I am honoured to be co-Patron of the ILF with my dear friend June Oscar AO. It has been exciting and inspiring to follow the extraordinary achievements of this outstanding organisation since its inception nearly twenty years ago. It’s a great story; a little thing that began in the room under the stairs at our much-loved bookstore, Riverbend in Brisbane. Suzy Wilson had an idea, and she ran with it! She wanted books - boxes and boxes - to give to children to open and enjoy reading stories and adventures about their own lives and of children around the world. The idea caught on with fantastic support from writers, publishers, artists, teachers… Many of these treasured books are in the language that their readers are familiar with, the language they speak at home.

HON. QUENTIN BRYCE AD CVO

It’s exhilarating to see these remarkable publications. They are beautiful and they are magic in opening doors to opportunities to developing potential, to leading a life that is rewarding and enriching. The Foundation has done wonderous things, but still has a lot more to do in delivering the commitment and promise that the wonderful world of literacy must give, and all that it means to the children of First Nations peoples. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO

ILF Impact Report 2021

Gapawiyak FaFT, Northern Territory.

Our Founder ILF founder Suzy Wilson, is also the founder and owner of Riverbend Books in Brisbane. Suzy continues to support and promote the Foundation at every opportunity. Her commitment to the vision of the organisation is unparalleled, and the Board and staff are forever grateful.

“The work of the Foundation continues to thrive and grow in scale, despite the very challenging times we find ourselves in, both locally and globally. My profound and most sincere thanks to our donors, whose vitally important support makes our literacy work with young Indigenous children possible. I also acknowledge ILF’s dedicated staff team. Together they have prevailed and continue to deliver onImpact their Report belief2021 in the importance of our work.” ILF 11

our amBaSsaDorS

We are very fortunate to have incredibly talented, dedicated and active Ambassadors that are willing to donate their time and expertise to share the work of the ILF across the nation. Despite travel restrictions and many cancelled engagements, their voices were strong, their actions impactful. They attended virtual events; fundraised, supported remote Communities with online workshops and mentoring programs; provided video content for Indigenous Literacy Day and fundraising events; attended a multitude of media interviews; and performed or provided positive words of endorsement. We thank each and every Ambassador for sharing ILF’s vision and continuing to give your time and talents so generously to share the ILF story.

Lifetime Ambassadors

Justine Clarke

Andy Griffiths

Kate Grenville

Dr Anita Heiss

Alison Lester AM

David Malouf

Josh Pyke

Natalie Ahmat

Deborah Cheetham AO

Debra Dank

Gregg Dreise

Richard Flanagan

Ann James

David Lawrence

Jessica Mauboy

Prof Kim Scott

Dr Jared Thomas

Shelley Ware

Ursula Yovich

Ambassadors

ILF Impact Report 2021

Where we work

In September 2021 we launched our interactive Community Map. This was an enormous amount of work from all areas of the organisation and we thank Small Multiples for their work helping to create this resource.

“It is one thing to read that ILF works in over 400 Communities across Australia, but when you see a map with lots of dots and links to hundreds of remote Communities, it paints a very real picture of ILF’s reach.”

BEN BOWEN

The Community Map has two versions - one for remote Communities with more specific information about programs, books and languages, and an outward facing map for our supporters to see where we work and what programs are available in each Community. Both maps are being continually updated with further resources to showcase our exciting work in remote Australia. ILF Impact Report 2021

our growing team New staff appointments In chronological order:

Once again, the ILF team grew in 2021 with the appointment of seven new staff. We also said farewell to four valued team members. It is with immense gratitude that we thank those that have walked with us and warmly embrace those that have joined. Despite the year peppered with lockdowns and travel restrictions, team members across the Country embraced virtual workplaces and successfully managed to support remote Communities with all programs as well as assisted, albeit remotely, with book launches, audio and visual learning resources, online workshops and translation projects.

In January 2021 we welcomed Tictac (Dianne) Moore, Regional Coordinator: Tiwi Islands. Tictac is a vibrant, hardworking and talented member of the Program Team and gives 100 per cent to support the Tiwi Communities with ILF’s literacy programs.

“I have been very privileged to work with staff and students from schools and Families as First Teachers (FaFTs) across the Tiwi islands and see the amazing work they do.”

In April, 2021 we welcomed Emma Toomey, a proud Wiradjuri woman, as ILF’s Office Administrator. It wasn’t long before Emma’s Marketing degree was put to use and she assisted with producing social media content. In December, Emma was promoted to the role of Marketing Coordinator. Her passion for creating events and campaigns makes her a valuable member of a small Marketing team.

In May, 2021, we welcomed Ella Shofield, a proud Wiradjuri woman, to the team as a part time Marketing Assistant. Ella is a second year student at the University of New South Wales and is a keen advocate for Indigenous literacy and sharing First Nations cultures and languages. She enjoys producing the Foundation’s social media and other digital content.

“As an Aboriginal woman, I have always wanted to help out my Community. I am incredibly grateful to work for the ILF and be a part of the amazing work that we do for remote Communities.”

“Literacy is so important to me. Advocating for Community and their rights to language and literacy is something that is extremely close to my heart. I am so honoured that I get to work in this role at the ILF.”

Our 2022 new recruits: In March 2022, we warmly welcomed Zoe Cassim as the Program Manager and Tshinta Morris-Fernando as ILF’s part-time junior graphic designer. Zoe is a Widjabul/Wia-abul woman of Bundjalung Country from northern New South Wales currently living on Darug Country with her young family. She comes to the ILF bringing with her over ten years’ experience of working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander not-forprofit sector, developing meaningful relationships with key stakeholders and First Nations Communities to support the collaborative development of programs and resources with First Nations knowledge at the forefront.

“Over the years that I have been able to learn from First Nations Communities and Elders, I have learned so much. One of my key learnings is that there is always so much more to learn. The rich tapestry of our Blak history in Australia is diverse and filled with so much knowledge and strength. I take courage from my Ancestors and from the Community members that I meet, and I am eager to listen to more stories in languages from families and from Country.” ILF Impact Report 2021

In June 2021 we welcomed Early Literacy Coordinator Jolene Brown. With five years’ experience working as an Early Childhood Educator in New South Wales, Jolene was motivated to focus her skills on helping Indigenous children.

“As an Indigenous woman growing up in Western Sydney, I saw a need for a more targeted approach in early literacy for First Nations children. Language is a very sacred thing to First Nations Communities of Australia, and the ILF works to respect every Community’s language, culture, and Country.”

In October 2021 we welcomed ILF’s new Chief Executive Officer, Ben Bowen. Wiradjuri man, Ben Bowen is the first Aboriginal CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. He has worked nationally and internationally, collaborating with both Indigenous Communities and governments to create opportunities in education, health and economic development. He has extensive experience in systems leadership and strategy.

“It is truly a privilege to be able to be a part of the ILF team and I am excited to witness the amazing work of the Communities come to life, and share in their success.”

Also in October we welcomed Mike Milnes as Chief Operating Officer. Originally from Ireland, he moved to Australia in 2008. He has worked for over 20 years in publishing, predominantly with LexisNexis, where he held many different senior positions in the areas of finance and business systems. His roles ranged from head office roles through to leading individual business units and entire regions.

In December 2021, we officially welcomed Bella Puruntatameri to the team working part-time out at Pularumpi, in the Tiwi Islands. Her main focus is to work on Community Publishing Projects but she also assists with other projects and Community engagements. Bella has a wonderful history with ILF as one of the senior students who participated in the Create Initiative, a book writing project from 2017 2019.

“I am really looking forward to learning more about the people, culture and the history of my adopted home.”

“I feel very happy and proud to be working with the ILF and collaborating with my own Community to support them with the literacy programs they want to engage with.”

farewell Tshinta Morris is a proud Barkindji woman currently living on Gadigal land who began employment with ILF in March 2022. Tshinta has completed a Diploma in Leadership and Management at TAFE NSW and is currently completing a Bachelor of Digital Creative Enterprise Management at the University of Technology Sydney. Tshinta has impressive creative skills having completed design projects for numerous marketing and education programs.

“Language, knowledge keeping and storytelling are embedded in the land and have been passed down from Elders throughout generations. I’m proud and grateful to be working alongside Communities and with the ILF Team. “ ILF Impact Report 2021

ILF also said farewell to outgoing Executive Director Karen Williams (see tribute over page), Program Director Tina Raye, Business Manager Corina Zanatta, and Book Supply Coordinator Seeba Tapim. In early 2022 we also said farewell to Program Manager, Linda Augusto and Language and Digital Program Coordinator, Laura Sterling. We warmly thank them for their contribution to ILF and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. 15

Tribute to Karen Williams oam In 2021, long-standing Executive Director Karen Williams stepped down as head of the ILF.

he first time I met Karen Williams was in the ABC studios in Ultimo back in 2005. She was offering to help with a project that hoped to address the appalling statistics for literacy in remote Communities. We talked that day about children, about books. We talked about truth, and the need to put aside complacency. We talked about the logic of our industry being involved in supporting literacy for children living in remote Australia. We considered the many talents and skills that our Australian book industry could lend to this project.

a million books would find their way into the hands of children who live in our most remote Communities. Anyone who was involved in those early days will testify to the fact that Karen Williams was the force of nature behind this growth. Her sheer hard work and powers of persuasion were legendary. Put simply, no one could say “no” to Karen.

There was so much then that we didn’t know, didn’t understand, but from that first day, we knew we held a mutual belief that it was time to do something practical. We hoped that this book industry project could help children learn to read and in the words of Tara June Winch, “Help build bridges between cultures.”

Karen was tireless in her pursuit of support and engagement from the Australian Book Industry. She communicated regularly and clearly with booksellers, authors, readers and publishers. It was Karen who negotiated, planned and executed the fabulous events at the Sydney Opera House, the legendary Trivia nights, the Josh Pyke concerts, and many, many more fund and awareness raising events. She also never missed an opportunity to engage with schools, community organisations, businesses and members of the wider community.

It has been a long road since that day and I don’t think either of us knew at that first meeting that this would become Karen’s life’s work and that she would go on to lead a Foundation that would grow from raising $50,000 per year to over $4 million per year. That we would be part of an organisation that would go on to publish over 100 books, many in First Languages, with many more to come. Under Karen’s watch, over half

I am not overstating the case to say that Karen was profoundly ambitious in her hope that all of Australia would come to understand the importance of the work of the ILF. That they would reject the passive acceptance of the status quo and lend a hand. David Malouf said, “It was the commitment, spirit and energy of Karen Williams that helped the ILF grow into the organisation it is today.”

ILF Impact Report 2021

In her sixteen years with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation there have been the usual mix of highs and lows. One of my best memories of Karen was the number of times she called me and began the conversation with “I have some really good news!” And always, a story would follow. It might be about the generosity of an elderly pensioner who had made a donation, or a publisher who was kicking in $100,000 for our cause. But the news she was always the most excited to deliver concerned children, books and Community.

‘As publishers, we’re deeply invested in the power of stories to open doors and change lives. The APA’s long association with the ILF is therefore both deeply rewarding and a source of great pride. We’re so pleased to be able to help the ILF achieve its mission - to build skills, provide choices and improve outcomes.’

JAMES KELLOW, PRESIDENT AUSTRALIAN PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

Publishing a new book in a First Language was what made all the hard work worthwhile. Witnessing the great joy of families as they attended a book launch on Country, and seeing their stories published in a book. The sudden silence and big smiles as the books were handed out to children and families, and they huddled together to read and look at the book that honoured their language, their stories, their place. Karen was often lost for words as she tried to communicate and share the joy of these launches. There was never any doubt about how much she cared about the work she did. It was this dedication that was her greatest contribution. Suzy Wilson, Founder ILF Impact Report 2021

ndigenous Literacy Day (ILD) is the major celebration and key advocatory event for the Foundation, held annually on the first Wednesday in September. Due to the changing landscape of the pandemic, it was evident that an in-person event was not going to be possible and the team focused on producing two major digital events. The theme - Celebrating Stories and Language captured the voices and hearts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, Elders, authors, Community organisations and individuals from across the country through stories - in beautiful books, in song and dance, in conversations, through hunting and cooking, and most importantly, in languages.

Sharing Stories and Language For Schools

Hosted by the Sydney Opera House, the ILF produced a 25-minute free to view, virtual event for primary and early learners, hosted by ILF Ambassador and dynamic performer Gregg Driese, with a special guest appearance by ILF Ambassador, Jessica Mauboy.

Total students pre-registered

150,722 Groups booked

1,924

Over

41,000 views by October 2021

“The Sydney Opera House is so proud to have celebrated Indigenous Literacy Day with ILF this year. Our tenth year collaborating on this vital project was a resounding success.”

JULIA DOSZPOT, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER DIGITAL PROGRAMMING, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Sharing Stories and Language Main Program

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation launched a dedicated website, ild.org.au to host over 70 short video stories created by First Nations authors, musicians and artists such as Stella Raymond, Wayne Quilliam, Jessica Mauboy, Brenton McKenna, Maureen Jipyiliya Nampijinpa O’Keefe, Natalie Ahmat, Lahrissa Behrendt, Anita Heiss and more. The short videos showcase the incredible range of stories, languages, cultures and voices of First Nations peoples, and the many ways literacy can be interpreted and understood.

77 video stories 30 First Languages represented 47 contributors 25 stories from First Nations authors

5 creative skills development workshops and one professional development workshop

And our very first Indigenous Literacy Day stamp

59,000

views and counting

We were also honoured to launch a feature story Jirraginy Joo Goorrarndal: The Frog and Brolga, a beautiful animation produced by SharingStories Foundation.

We also proudly launched Early Childhood Australia’s long-awaited ‘Saying Hello in Australian Indigenous Languages” video.

“ECA were absolutely delighted to have an opportunity provided by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to launch our video on Indigenous Literacy Day. This was a terrific platform for our video which enabled enhanced impact and to reach far and wide beyond what would have otherwise been possible. We really enjoyed and benefitted from this first opportunity to collaborate with ILF and hope to continue this in the future.” KATHRYN HOPPS, PHD, EARLY CHILDHOOD AUSTRALIA 18

ILF Impact Report 2021 We would like to acknowledge Viva Energy for their sponsorship of the ILD Main Program.

ADVoCacy AnD FundraisINg

Reading Opens Doors Library The Great Book Swap 2021

In 2021, the Great Book Swap went digital. All collateral and resources were available online and the event was moved to the Foundation’s fundraising platform Raisely. We also launched a separate site for businesses to allow us to better engage and communicate with our growing corporate Great Book Swap audience.

The year started with optimism.

1000 registrations Donation target: $350,000

The inaugural Reading Opens Doors Library was launched in June 2021. The library was designed to inspire corporate Australia to read and learn more about First Nations languages and cultures. It consists of 17 books including those by awardwinning authors Bruce Pascoe, Anita Heiss, Tara June Winch and Kim Scott. The collection also includes children’s picture books, young adult and adult titles presented in a beautifully designed, mobile shelf for display in board or staff rooms. You can purchase a Reading Opens Doors Library online from the ILF shop - ilf.org.au/shop

2021 target:

Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented many organisatons and schools from hosting a Great Book Swap and we send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who registered and pledged with good intent.

620 Completed Swaps: 277 Funds raised: $109,337 Actual registrations:

ILF Relationship Manager, David Stewart (middle) with Suzanne Quinn and Michael Gunn from CWT Australia Pty Ltd

Build Your Library

As part of our advocacy work, we aim to build awareness and appreciation of books written and/or illustrated by Indigenous children and community members. The Build Your Library (BYL) campaign encourages schools and libraries to stock more children’s books written by First Nations authors and illustrators.

“We always begin each session with one of these beautifully illustrated children’s books. I am so thrilled to be building up a great collection of diverse and inclusive children’s books that are written by or are about our First Nations peoples. It’s inspiring for the students because, as they say, you can’t be what you don’t see.” LEISA JAMES, JUNIOR SCHOOL CO-ORDINATOR, MAHARISHI PRIMARY SCHOOL

ILF Impact Report 2021

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan May 2021 – May 2023

Artwork by Dianne (Tictac) Moo

ILF Impact Report 2021

ACTION 3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.

3.2 Collaborate with RA and other like-minded organisations to develop ways to advance reconciliation.

May, 2021

3.3 Implement strategies to engage our staff in

May, 2021

Language and Digital Coordinator

May, 2021, 2022

Executive Director

3.5 Create an artwork demonstrating our commitment to reconciliation and display in our office.

June, 2021

Program Director

3.6 Provide opportunities for our Ambassadors to share their experiences working with ILF and in

August, 2021

Marketing Manager

3.7 Develop resources or packs relating to promoting reconciliation and learning, suitable for our corporate partners.

July, 2021

Executive Director

3.8 Celebrate the launch and achievements of our RAP during National Reconciliation Week.

May, 2021

Executive Director

3.9 Explore opportunities to positively influence our

May, 2022

Relationships Manager

Language and Digital Coordinator

reconciliation. 3.4 Promote reconciliation through ongoing active engagement with all stakeholders.

remote communities.

launChing our innovate recoNcilIAtion AcTIOn Plan

Reconciliation.

ACTION

TIMELINE

RESPONSIBILITY

16.1 RAPWG oversees the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP.

January, 2021

Program Director

16.2 Establish and Apply a Terms of Reference for the RAPWG.

January, 2021

Customer Relationship Administrator

16.3 Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the

January, 2021, January 2022

Program Director

January, 2022, 2023 March, 2022, 2023 June, 2021, 2022 September, 2021, 2022

Program Director

DELIVERABLE

RAP implementation.

16.5 Establish an external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group to provide cultural advice and guidance, and to review and endorse cultural messaging

May, 2022

HR Consultant

4.4 Educate senior leaders on the effects of racism.

May, 2022

Executive Director

5.1 Develop and implement a strategy to ensure all business and corporate relationships align with our organisational values as laid out in this

August, 2021

Business Manager

RAP. July, 2021

5.2 Develop and implement a framework document to ensure fundraising partnerships and financial support we receive aligns with our organisational values as laid out in this RAP.

June, 2021

July, 2021

August, 2021

ACTION 18. Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learning both internally externally.

Relationship Manager

Marketing Manager

Business Manager

DELIVERABLE 18.1 Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia

Executive Director

TIMELINE

RESPONSIBILITY

30 September, 2021, 2022

Executive Director

annually. November 2021, 2022

Executive Director

18.3 Provide a RAP progress report to our stakeholders, including ILF Ambassadors, through our newsletters.

October 2021, 2022

Marketing Manager

18.4 Publically report our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings annually.

October, 2021, 2022

Executive Director

18.5 Provide a RAP progress report to our Board twice a

October, 2021, 2022 May, 2022, 2023

Program Director

May 2022

Program Director

May, 2022

Program Director

June, 2022

Program Director

July, 2022

Program Director

18.2 Report RAP progress to all staff and senior leaders quarterly.

year. 18.6 Investigate participating in the Workplace RAP Barometer. 19. Review, refresh and update RAP.

and campaigns. 17. Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments.

17.1 Define resources needed for RAP implementation.

May, 2021

Program Director

17.2 Engage our senior leaders and other staff in the delivery

19.1 Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements.

May, 2021

Executive Director

19.2 Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and feedback.

17.3 Appoint and maintain an internal RAP Champion for senior management.

May, 2021

Executive Director

19.3 Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement.

17.4 Define and maintain appropriate systems to track, measure and report on RAP

June, 2021

Business Manager

of RAP commitments.

commitments. CONTACT DETAILS Manfong Name: Brad Gambetta and Cindy Position: RAP Committee Phone: 02 9280 0644 Email: brad@ilf.org.au and cindy@ilf.org.au

Respect

with diversity and cultures of all those Our Foundation respects the individuality, in Aboriginal the deep significance of respect whom we interact, and acknowledges past policies and We acknowledge the destructive and Torres Strait Islander cultures. continue to have on the impact these have had and practices post colonisation and impacts of peoples. We are also aware of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ongoing racism within our country.

is an Strait Islander peoples and communities Working with Aboriginal and Torres hope to listening, learning and sharing we integral part of our business. Through the needs of organisation can continue to support increase our understanding so our peoples and their communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander We also acknowledge and celebrate our respects to live and work on their Country, pay the First peoples of Australia. We recognise their their unique cultural values and the Traditional Owners, acknowledge environment. and protectors of Country and the past and ongoing role as caretakers

• The employment of an Indigenous CEO • Hosting a virtual celebration for Indigenous Literary Day (ILD) that was open and free to all people living or working in remote Communities • Showcasing over 70 short stories celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and cultures as part of ILD • Purchasing artwork from First Nations artists • Achieved over 25 per cent of our actions.

HR Consultant

5.4 Develop an internal communications strategy to acknowledge the financial and cultural impact on ILF of external cultural events, movements, news, political developments.

16. RAPWG actively monitors RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting.

HR Consultant

May, 2022

5.3 Ensure marketing and fundraising campaigns are sensitive to culturally significant events including NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week.

16.4 Meet at least four times per year to monitor and report on

RAP commitments achieved in the six months postdating the launch include:

needs.

our organisation.

5. Develop and maintain frameworks to ensure business and fundraising relationships align with our organisational values and commitment to

Artwork acknowledgements; Jessica Stassi, Michaeline Mungatopi, Dianne (Tictac) Moore

RESPONSIBILITY

anti-discrimination provisions, and future

4.3 Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisors to consult on our antidiscrimination policy.

RAPWG.

After more than a year of research, planning and writing, the ILF’s RAP Working Group put forward a detailed plan for the Foundation, which will direct our business until 2023. Our RAP formalises our Foundation’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and reinforces the values that underpin how we work and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and Communities.

TIMELINE May, 2022

4.1 Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing

4.2 Develop, implement and communicate an antidiscrimination policy for

external stakeholders to drive reconciliation outcomes.

The ILF was proud to launch our much anticipated Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to mark the beginning of Reconciliation Week 2021, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment as an organisation to reconciliation.

A special thank you to Tranby Educational College for sharing their beautiful venue for our RAP launch.

4. Promote positive race relations through anti– discrimination strategies.

Communications Lead

May, 2021

DELIVERABLE

ACTION

RESPONSIBILITY

TIMELINE

DELIVERABLE 3.1 Communicate our commitment to reconciliation publicly.

Artwork by Jessica Stassi

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a plan for the whole organisation to be able to work as one, and to have reconciliation drive our actions and work in remote Communities. The RAP Working Group has taken the time to listen and communicate, be respectful and do the process properly. It’s been fun, exciting and thoughtful, and I’m proud to have been involved.” PETER FITZGIBBON, RAP WORKING GROUP MEMBER

“The RAP provides us with an opportunity to do things in a better way and to change things when they’re not right. I think it’s going to make us be more thoughtful about the decisions we make and to take responsibility for our actions as an organisation. We’ve got to be really brave and just a little bit fearless”.

ILF Impact Report 2021 BRAD GAMBETTA, RAP WORKING GROUP MEMBER 21

our programs

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s three programs - Book Supply, Book Buzz and Community Publishing Projects - focus on ensuring equal and equitable access to quality resources, including books in First Languages, and publishing Community stories in collaboration with their Elders and young people. We work to empower Communities and families to lead the entire process to ensure leadership, ownership, and authenticity is held with Community Elders and residents.

boOk suPply Access to books in remote Communities is challenging, as there are often no libraries or bookstores. ILF’s Book Supply program meets this need by providing new, culturally relevant books to remote Communities across Australia. Schools and Community-based organisations as well as other other organisations who visit or work in remote Communities can order books to distribute to children and families directly (so books may be kept in their homes) or use the books to stock libraries and resource centres. Over 40 per cent of books in the Book Supply packs feature First Nations authors and illustrators. This is important as it allows kids to see themselves and their cultures reflected in the stories, helping to build a sense of connection, belonging and pride.

Total books gifted

91,700

Total book packs

2,346 Book packs distributed by age group

Where packs are distributed

10%

South Australia

New South Wales

35% Northern Territory

21% 668 Toddlers packs Queensland 688 Kids packs 29% 513 Big Kids packs Western Australia 477 Community packs 22

ILF Impact Report 2021

We receive many emails and postcards from Community organisations sharing how they use the books and the response that kids and families have when given access to books.

“Families will discuss the books after reading them, and therefore more vocabulary is learned. They are exposed to words every time they are read to. Even when the books are about numbers or colours, their vocabulary gets bigger and bigger, which in turn helps them towards reading themselves … And the more words they are exposed to, the better their language skills too.” HELENE CLEVERINGA, DIRECTOR OF KUUNCHI KAKANA (FAMILIES TOGETHER) LOCKHART RIVER, QUEENSLAND

“The books are really well chosen. None of them go to waste … They encourage parents to connect with our service. The books also encourage parents to read to their children and the value of reading and writing. And the children love them.” BRIDGETTE HUTCHINSON, WURLIWURLINJANG FAMILY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, KATHERINE, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Toddlers (0-4) 40 books per pack

Kids (5-7) 40 books per pack

Big kids (8-12) 45 books per pack

Community 13+ 30 books per pack

The annual Book Supply program timeline The selection of books is rigorous and in 2021, it was made more challenging with the Sydney office in a pandemic lockdown. The Program team took a week to review approximately 600 books, to create a shortlist of 180 titles, before two Committee members selected the final list of 144 titles.

A request for books sent to 30 publishers

Book submission samples are reviewed and the accompanying book pack collateral is created

The selection for each age group is confirmed and books are ordered

Ordered books arrive at Ultra Pak for assembly

The packs are sent to United Books Distributors (UBD)

The online order system is updated, the online catalogue is created and an invitation order form is sent to remote Community organisations.

OCT

NOV

JAN

FEB

MAR

SEPT

Book Supply packs are distributed to Community APR

We extend our gratitude to our major sponsor, Australia Post for ensuring our Book Supply packs are delivered safely to hundreds of remote Communities across the nation.

book buzz

“To qualify for Book Buzz you have to be set up as a playgroup, because it is important that caregivers and parents are involved. They help children with their literacy skills: with learning how to hold a book, to turn pages and to think about what might happen next. It also means that when the books and resources go home, parents and carers can continue reading to their kids,”

Our Book Buzz program aims to develop familiarity and engagement with books for children under five, to support critical pre-literacy skills. Our team also provides the funding for many remote Communities to translate popular books into First Languages, allowing children to start their literacy journey with books in languages spoken in their homes, and for whole families to enjoy.

JOLENE BROWN, ILF EARLY LITERACY COORDINATOR

Buzz registrations

Number of registrations

Number of Communities

Total no. of children

Total books delivered

Total Initial Packs delivered

Total Total Pop Up Resources Kits delivered Kits delivered

FaFT & Playgroup (NT)

2,270

11,250

115

Playgroups & Kindilink (WA)

410

2,280

Playgroups (SA)

269

971

Playgroups (QLD)

174

798

TOTALS

3,123

15,299

183

ILF Impact Report 2021

our programs community publishing projects Big Fat Mummy Goanna

The

Written and illustrated by

Emma Bear

“I wrote this book to encourage kids to read more books, and to sit with the Elders… while they’re around. To know who they are, where they come from, to know the language and to speak it.”

MARSHIA COOK, AUTHOR OF JARRAMPA

Launching Jarrampa and Purlka ngamaji Kakaji

“I wanted to write this story for my family; for all Indigenous people going out on Country and hunting for bush tucker. It is our language and our Dreaming.”

In late July, our team was proud to (virtually) attend the launch of two new non-commercial titles, Jarrampa (Yabbies) and Purlka ngamaji Kakaji (Big Fat Mummy Goanna) which were celebrated by the local community at Fitzroy Crossing Baya Gawiy Buga yani Jandu Yani u Centre. Developed in workshops with children, families and Elders throughout 2019 with ILF Lifetime Ambassador Alison Lester and publisher Jane Godwin, the two books are published in Walmajarri and English and have been gifted back to the Community to be read and loved for years to come. The books were launched amidst much excitement as part of the centre’s belated celebrations for NAIDOC Week 2021.

EMMA BEAR, AUTHOR OF PURLKA NGAMAJI KAKAJI

Printing Readers in Dhuwaya

It took five years for the Language Production Centre at Yirrkala School to translate 124 Readers into Dhuwaya, the main Aboriginal Language spoken by students at the school. The Readers were originally written in Djambarrpuyŋu and produced by the Shepherdson College Literature Production Centre at Galiwin’ku. When the ILF was approached by Yirrkala in late 2021 to help get them printed, we were only too happy to oblige. The request was for 40 copies of each book, resulting in a total quantity of 4,960 books sent up to Yirrkala. Staff and students were overwhelmed and excited by the sight of so many new books to read. The stories reflect the lives of Yolŋu people and are written in their First Language with an English translation.

“Keeping Dhuwaya strong was the wish and aspiration of our Elders, and that is why today we are keeping the bilingual program strong.”

ILF Impact Report 2021

YALMAY MARIKA-YUNUPUYŊU, TEACHER LINGUIST

ILF’s First Graphic Novels In 2021, along with Gestalt Publishing and Stick Mob, our Foundation was excited to launch three new graphic novels by four Indigenous creators during NAIDOC Week in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). The graphic novels were written by four young people: Declan Miller, Seraphina Newberry, Alyssa Mason and Lauren Boyle. Their three graphic novels, Mixed Feelings, Exo Dimensions and Storm Warning address topics such as climate change, intergenerational trauma and healing, and two-way cultural learnings against the backdrop of life in Central Australia. Our team was incredibly proud of this project, as the three female authors/artists, Lauren, Seraphina and Alyssa were Australia’s first-ever published, Aboriginal female graphic novelists, with Declan the second male Aboriginal graphic novelist to be published after the group’s mentor, Brenton McKenna.

“Congratulations to Stick Mob, this is a huge achievement. I am very impressed and very proud that the group has made it this far. They’re making history.”

BRENTON MCKENNA, GRAPHIC NOVELIST

Publishing Six Board Books, in Six Languages In 2021, our team also embarked on an ambitious project to publish six board books in six Aboriginal languages; Tiwi, Garawa, Kriol, Murrinhpatha, Mangarrayi and Dhuwaya. The six books were produced with illustrations from one of the ILF’s most popular titles, No Way Yirrikipayi, which were created by students from Milikapiti School on the Tiwi Islands. Using the illustrations as inspiration, each Community wrote their own story in their First Language, and launched the books in their own way in late 2021.

ILF Lifetime Ambassador, Elders and Milikapiti School students join forces to create a beautiful picture book. Also launched this year was Ngaripirtangaya. This book first began in 2019 during a visit to Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands by ILF Lifetime Ambassador Alison Lester. Alison and Tiwi Elder Nina Black worked with a group of students from Milikapiti School on the story outline, and began illustrations. The story was developed over a series of edits and illustration workshops from 2020 to 2021, all done remotely as we were unable to visit, again due to COVID-19. Some members of the Tiwi Strong Women’s group helped with the Tiwi words, along with Nina and other Elders. The result is a stunning picture book, which celebrates some of the sounds to be heard in Milikapiti, if you ngaripirtangaya (listen). ILF Impact Report 2021

ThAnK yOu Partners, Donors, Volunteers and Supporters We are very grateful for the trust that has been established over the years with the remote Communities we support and their willingness to engage wholeheartedly with our team. We are honoured and humbled to be able to assist and support their literacy journeys, in ways they wish. To our corporate partners and sponsors, individual donors, Trusts and Foundations, other not-for-profit organisations and volunteers that continue to stand by our side, we could not do this without you. A special mention and heartfelt thank you to long term volunteers Sonia Palmisano, Janet Hutchinson and Kristin Gill. Thank you

ILF Impact Report 2021

PARTNER Australia Post

GOLD SUPPORTERS ACME Foundation Constant Reader Bookshop Envato Foundation Grace Worldwide (Australia) Pty Ltd Johnston Foundation Mitsubishi Corporation Pan Macmillan Penguin Random House Quinn Femelle Private Ancillary Fund Rado Foundation The Tar-Ra Fund

MAJOR SUPPORTERS ABC Abco ARA Group Endowment Bain and Co Baker Foundation Beecher Family Charitable Fund Better Reading Blueshore Charitable Trust Brent and Vicky Emmett Giving Fund Donnelly Garner Foundation Elizabeth and Barry Davies Emu Trekkers Family Foundation Five V Capital FWH Foundation Henson Foundation Hipgrave Family Foundation Ian and Alison McKenzie Jim Hart Lend Lease Office Portfolio Libraries Board of South Australia M&T Resources Magic Libraries Foundation MFS International Australia Pty Ltd Morialta Trust Morpheus Foundation Omni Executive Pty Ltd Publish Central Reina Barlow Simpson Solicitors SMEC

Stening Charitable Trust Susan McKinnon Foundation Sydney Opera House The Flying Beetroot TJX Australia UnLtd VIVA Australia

BOOKSTORES Avid Reader Berkelouw Bookstores Constant Reader Gleebooks Harry Hartog Bookstores Kinokuniya Sydney Matilda Bookshop Oscar and Friends Potts Point Bookshop Readings Bookstores Riverbend Books Where the Wild Things Are

AUSTRALIAN BOOK INDUSTRY Allen & Unwin Australian Booksellers Association Australian Library and Information Association Australian Publishers Association Australian Society of Authors Children’s Book Council of Australia

community fundraising stories There are many wonderful fundraising stories to share. It was difficult to select just three. We are immensely grateful to the numerous organisations and individuals who fundraised in 2021, and the incredible diversity and creativity of events and actions they undertook to raise money.

Avid birdwatcher and photography hobbyist Michael Livingston wanders through parks and reserves of Melbourne taking photos of all kinds of birds. A few years ago he decided to make a commercial calendar using his beautiful collection of bird photos, with profits split between Birdlife Australia and our Foundation. The idea has been extremely successful.

“It turned out to be surprisingly popular and the project has grown year after year to the point that this year I sold 700 calendars to people all around the country and raised over $20K, which I split 50-50 between ILF and BirdLife,” shared Michael.

Garden Life Raises Money for the ILF Founder of Garden Life and ILF supporter, Richard Unsworth, has been hosting guided bush walks on the Elvina Track followed by lunch in Pittwater, for the last 12 months. Even with the challenges of holding such tours throughout lockdown and the lingering effects of COVID-19, Richard has continued to use these bush walks to raise money for the ILF. After a morning walk, guests return to his house in Lovett Bay for lunch and a garden tour. Richard is delighted with the response to date.

“It’s been really popular so far and we’ve raised nearly $15,000 for the Foundation.”

RICHARD UNSWORTH

ILF Impact Report 2021

Birak roller-skates help support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation Chuffed Skates isn’t just a roller-skate shop. It is a community where people connect to improve their mental and physical health, and bond over a love of roller-skating. Recently, they ran an initiative where skaters were able to design their own skates and $10 from each sale would go to a charity of their choosing. Ashley Chitty, an Indigenous skater on their team, chose the ILF because she wanted to support an organisation that makes a difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

“Our fundraiser involved manufacturing a roller skate in collaboration with an Indigenous artist and member of our team, Ashley Chitty, and selling 300 pairs. The skate is called ‘Birak’ which pays respects to one of the six seasons in Noongar Boodja Country where Chitty grew up, and is her birth season.” SAM, CHUFFED SKATES

ILF Impact Report 2021

australia post At Australia Post we work in partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) to support their Book Supply program. Using our national deliveries network we help enable better access to culturally appropriate books and more opportunity for children living in these Communities to develop literacy skills.

Australia Post employs more than

1,127

First Nations people (3% of the workforce).

We raised more than

$33,745

for

the ILF, fundraising for the Book Supply program.

“When you drive around in the Indigenous [painted] truck it makes you feel proud. I love that the ILF works with our mob with all the different languages and Communities. Education gives our people and our Communities more choice” “It [Book Supply] would have been a really good thing to have when I was younger.... I wish I would’ve had more books in my life because we probably would have got a better education.”

In May, using our national Post Office network we accepted over the counter donations, introduced Rounding Up of transactions and Online Shop donation prompts. In November, in connection with the Australia Post Festive campaign, a decoration featuring artwork by Noongar artist Kevin Bynder was created. In return for each

$2 donation to the ILF, customers received a decoration.

WONNARUA/WANARUAH MAN ROSS HERBERT, AUSTRALIA POST DELIVERY DRIVER Our ILF partnership supports our RAP and reconciliation agenda and reinforces the work we do in building cultural understanding and recruiting and retaining First Nations employees at Australia Post.

We’ve delivered

92,000

books to 325 remote

First Nations Communities in 2021. This contributes to a total of

190,000 books that we’ve delivered since 2020 and our support is ongoing. An additional 2021 donation from the Post Office Network will be used to deliver the

400,000 Listen to No Way Yirrikipayi! below

bookmarks to give away

to customers featuring a QR code link to No Way Yirrikipayi written by students of

This story of a hungry crocodile is one of the many books delivered to communities

Milikapiti School, Melville

Listen and watch on your device

More than

Island and Alison Lester.

vocational learning opportunity involving

people 4,000 clicked through to

10 Tiwi College Senior students, authors

experience the

and a publisher.

story reading.

2022 ILF Create Initiative, a

We produced

ILF Impact Report 2021

Photograph: Tiffany Parker

11:36 am 2 RK [190x50] FA.indd 29/3/21

APC0198 Literacy POS BOOKMA

LOOKING FORWARD AUSTRALIA POST WILL:

We continue to identify ways to build on and share more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, stories, languages and literacy with customers and communities.

n celebrate and acknowledge the start of the United Nations’ Decade of Indigenous Languages n aim to reach the target of

Australia Post team members love our ILF partnership and its impact in Communities. Our people proudly

delivering 300,000 books to Communities by the end of 2022

display promotional materials, encourage donations and give away bookmarks across the network.

In November we received

190 requests for a

Reading Opens Doors

n support the ILF’s commitment to more Community-led programs through our partnership.

library in Australia Post workplaces. To cater for this strong interest a ‘travelling library’ will be introduced in 2022 to enable as many people as possible to engage with the 17 books in the library. ILF Impact Report 2021

ILF Impact Report 2021

“We know the power of stories to help connect us to, and shape our identity and culture, and that books are a key to unlocking opportunity. Yet many of us take for granted access to books in our First Language. The impact of ILF’s Community Publishing Projects which create books in First Languages, and Book Buzz which translate books into First Languages, is therefore immense. The ASA is very proud of its long relationship with ILF and congratulates ILF on the staggering number of books it supplies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, and its work within those Communities each year.“

OLIVIA LANCHESTER CEO, AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF AUTHORS

ILF Impact Report 2021

Financials THE INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION LTD ABN: 45 146 631 843 ILF is an independent charity with DGR Status and raises its income without government support. Since 2010, it has raised over $19 million to support its programs. The Foundation continues to work within best practice guidelines for Australian charities.

Impact Report Impact Report STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the year ending 31 December 2021

CONTINUING OPERATIONS $

050000

350,000

000000

300,000

050000

250,000

000000

200,000

050000

150,000

000000

100,000

050000

50,000

GrantInterest Revenue Other Incom Book Sales Book Sales Grant Revenue Other Income Interest Recieved Recieved GRANT REVENUE INTEREST OTHER INCOME

BOOK SALES

2020

RECEIVED

2021

ILF Impact Report 2021

DONATIONS

2021

2020

$3.5

$3.6

$3.7

$3.8

$3.9

$4.0

$4.1

$4.2

$4.3 MILLIONS

Program Costs 2021 Programs

Structure

Fundrasing

Admin and Ops

COST STRUCTURE

PROGRAM COSTS 2021

COMMUNITY PUBLISHING PROJECTS

ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATING COSTS

BOOK BUZZ

25%

28%

31% 60% 9% FUNDRAISING COSTS

BOOK SUPPLY

47%

PROGRAM COSTS

ILF Impact Report 2021

Boo Boo Com

ILF Impact Report 2021

PO Box 663 Broadway NSW Australia 2007 (02) 9280 0644 info@ilf.org.au indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au ABN 45 146 631 843 Donations welcome 38

ILF Impact Report 2021