The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is proud to announce a remarkable milestone: one million books have now been delivered to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities through the ILF's Book Supply program.
As the ILF's longest-running initiative, Book Supply has provided free and culturally relevant books to over 495 remote Communities across Australia. These books allow young readers to see themselves reflected in stories.
"Invitations to order from the first release of ILF's Book Supply program went out in March and we were, as usual, inundated with orders," says ILF's Book Supply manager, Brad Gambetta.
"The feeling you get hearing stories from remote Communities about the impact Book Supply has throughout the country never goes away. Recently there was a remote school sharing the story about kids being excited to read their new books that reflect their culture and language. It absolutely made me smile and think about the impact and importance a book (especially a book that reflects who you are) can have," says Brad.
The ILF celebrated this incredible milestone in Katherine, Northern Territory—a region with a rich history of involvement in the program. The celebration acknowledges not only the number of books delivered, but also the relationships, stories, and Communities that have shaped the program since the beginning.
Cindy Manfong, ILF's former Book Supply Coordinator and current Publishing Projects Editor, proudly from Katherine Community says, "Since I started with the ILF in 2016, Katherine has always been the central hub of the region. Communities all around it would have to get their packs sent to the local post office and then filtered out to their Communities.
"I have seen first-hand how kids and adults in Communities react to seeing these packs and it's always a lot of smiles and pride – especially seeing new books fresh out of the boxes. It makes me so proud knowing that this program has been incredibly successful."
From Grassroots to National Impact What began in 2004 as the Riverbend Readers' Challenge, created by ILF Founder Suzy Wilson AM to raise funds for literacy opportunities in remote Australia, has since grown into a national initiative. The Book Supply program now supports hundreds of Communities annually with new books— reviewed by committee members and are selected carefully with over 50% created by First Nations authors or illustrators.
The success of the Book Supply program can be attributed to all those who have been involved in shaping, supporting and working on it over the years.
The Power of Storytelling Former ILF Programs Director Tina Raye, instrumental behind Book Supply's growth, reflects on the milestone, "We never came across a kid who wasn't excited to choose their own book to take home.
"It's so inspiring to see how access to books can really encourage reading and the kids could find something they really wanted to read."
The role of Australia Post and how far these books actually reach
This program would not be possible without the incredibly generous support from Australia Post. The team at Australia Post has delivered books to remote Communities since the beginning of their partnership in 2020.
"Australia Post proudly supports the Indigenous Literacy Foundation by using its vast network to deliver the Book Supply program to 495 Communities around Australia," says Nicky Tracey, Australia Post General Manager Community and Stakeholder Engagement.
"Congratulations to the ILF on this magnificent milestone of delivering one million culturally relevant books to remote First Nations Communities."
Looking Ahead
This milestone marks more than a number. It represents the foundation of a growing legacy—a program built with trust, driven by Community aspirations.
The ILF is extremely grateful to their generous donors, Communities, partners, Board members, Ambassadors, and volunteers. All those who have participated in the ILF since its inception have played a role in Book Supply and the 1 million books now in remote Communities.
Ben Bowen, ILF CEO, says "Not long ago, the conversation was about the lack of books in remote Communities. Today we are proud to announce the 1 millionth culturally relevant book landing in the hands of Community.
"The scale of this achievement means access to libraries of books, homes with shelves of books, generations of readers sharing the experience of reading and storytelling.
"It's a privilege to be a trusted partner with Community over such an extended period of time and it is a commitment that the ILF will remain a partner in the literacy journey with Communities for the future. Thanks for being a part of our story. Every book delivered matters."
About us:
About the Indigenous Literacy Foundation The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia. They are Community-led, responding to requests from remote Communities for culturally relevant books, including early learning board books, resources, and programs to support Communities to create and publish their stories in languages of their choice.
In 2024 the ILF won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children's or young adult literature.
