Camden Council is proud to host the 10th National Paint the Town REaD Conference in Camden this September, welcoming early childhood professionals, educators, community leaders and families from across Australia.
The two-day conference, which Council will host in partnership with the national Paint the Town REaD organisation, will be held on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September. It will celebrate and strengthen national efforts to improve early literacy outcomes for children through everyday reading, talking, singing and rhyming. The conference program will include keynote presentations, practical workshops and opportunities for collaboration, with a strong focus on early literacy, child development and community-led learning approaches.
Council will officially welcome delegates to Camden with a reception at the Camden Civic Centre on Wednesday 16 September, ahead of the conference. The reception, from 5pm to 7pm, will mark the official opening of the event and provide an opportunity to celebrate the milestone with delegates, community leaders and local stakeholders.
Camden Council Mayor Cr Therese Fedeli said Council is proud to continue supporting early literacy initiatives that make a lasting difference in the community.
"Camden is a growing, family-focused community and early literacy is one of the most important investments we can make in our children's future," she said.
"Over the years, Camden Council has supported Paint the Town REaD through our library services, early years programs, and community partnerships. This includes initiatives such as regular Storytime and Rhyme Time sessions at Camden Libraries, early literacy engagement activities for families and collaboration with local early childhood services to promote reading from birth."
"We're are proud to support Paint the Town REaD and everything it stands for.
Paint the Town REaD is a nationally recognised early literacy initiative that focuses on building strong foundations for lifelong learning by encouraging families and communities to engage with children from birth.
Camden Council encourages local educators, early childhood services, community organisations and families to take part in this important national event.
For more information, visit paintthetownread.info/2026-our-10th-national-conference
