The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is proud to announce author, comedian and artist Anh Do, children's entertainer Lucas Proudfoot and singer Tehya Makani as ILF Ambassadors. NITV journalist Bronte Charles and author and artist Mia Speed have also joined as ILF Youth Ambassadors for 2026.
This year, ILF has introduced Community Ambassadors, recognising those working directly in First Nations Communities. Co-founders of Mamanta, Tammy Abala and Shane Tipuamantamerri are the inaugural Community Ambassadors.
ILF CEO Ben Bowen says: "The ILF's Ambassador program is pivotal to its engagement with key stakeholders and donor communities. Many of the publishing and literacy-based projects as well as the major promotional campaigns we undertake, rely on the input and commitment of our Ambassadors and we are incredibly grateful for that."
"Our new Ambassadors bring incredible talent, experience, and dedication and we welcome them on board."
Tammy Abala – Community Ambassador Tammy Abala celebrates a diverse heritage, including Iwaidja/Murran, Tiwi, Kungarakan, Torres Strait, and Australian/English. With experience living in Arnhem Land, Darwin, and Tiwi, and working across Australia and overseas, Tammy has spent over a decade developing programs focused on community wellbeing and culture.
"Being an ILF Community Ambassador is a role descriptor of the efforts we do through Mamanta programs… One of my favourite things to do is to share ILF made books with young women in the youth justice space. I don't just read books to them – we talk about the how and why they are made and how the ILF opens doors through strengthening and celebrating First Nations knowledges, stories and values through literacy!"
Shane Tipuamantamerri – Community Ambassador Shane Tipuamantamerri, a Tiwi and Anmatjerre man, is co-founder of Mamanta and a passionate advocate for youth, culture, and wellbeing programs.
"Having grown up as a Community kid with little interest in reading or books, it gives me a great sense of pride and honour to now promote, share in and celebrate the good work and the ways in which Indigenous Literacy Foundation positively impacts our Communities."
Anh Do – Ambassador Author, comedian, and artist Anh Do has sold more than 10 million books worldwide. His memoir, The Happiest Refugee, won Australian Book of the Year, and his children's series have been national bestsellers.
"As a newly arrived kid from Vietnam, I had trouble with reading and writing… Those books slowly helped me to turn a fear of reading and writing into a love of words and stories. This fundamental change… is what has allowed me to be where I am today."
Lucas Proudfoot – Ambassador Multi-platform storyteller, musician, performer, and author Lucas Proudfoot inspires over 100,000 children annually through live performances, music, and books. A proud Gudjinburra-Bundjalung man, he blends traditional and contemporary culture into every show.
"I grew up in a saltwater Community surrounded by storytellers, musicians, and singers… After school, I spent over a decade touring as a professional surfer and musician… Hearing the laughs and stories from people all over the country continues to inspire everything I do today. I've always admired the incredible work ILF does in Community… I'm truly honoured to join ILF as an Ambassador."
Tehya Makani – Ambassador Yawuru, Wadjarri, Pitjanjarra, and Wadjuk (Noongar) artist Tehya Makani is a dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-disciplinary performer from Broome. She has appeared in acclaimed productions including Bran Nue Dae and The Sunshine Club.
"Growing up, music has been a vessel for culture, identity, and connection… Every story, every experience, every thread of history I carry has been taught to me through the power of art and music… I want to be an ILF Ambassador because I'm passionate about working with young people and helping them see the power in their own stories… Being an Ambassador allows me to keep inspiring the next generation to dream big, stay connected to culture, and believe that their voices are powerful."
Mia Speed – Youth Ambassador Wirangu artist, author, and ILF-published illustrator Mia Speed is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Indigenous Knowledges and Society.
"I am passionate about sharing and preserving Aboriginal stories, language, and perspectives through creative expression."
Bronte Charles – Youth Ambassador Bundjalung and Mununjali journalist Bronte Charles works across NITV and SBS, championing First Nations storytelling and literacy for young people.
"Being a Youth Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a huge honour… Working with the ILF allows me to help amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and support access to culturally relevant books and resources… I feel incredibly privileged to play a small part in helping foster that love for reading and storytelling in our young ones."
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About us:
ILF's Founder is Suzy Wilson AM. Co Patrons are June Oscar AO and Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO. These news Ambassadors join the impressive talents of existing ILF Ambassadors; musicians Jessica Mauboy, Josh Pyke, DOBBY and Emma Donovan, authors Andy Griffiths, Dr Anita Heiss AM, Dr Deb Dank, Alison Lester AM, Richard Flannigan, Gregg Dreise, Dr Jared Thomas, David Lawrence, David Malouf and Kim Scott, illustrator Ann James AM, actress Justine Clarke, actor Thomas Weatherill, TV personality Bianca Hunt, artist Ryhia Dank, photographer Wayne Quilliam, astrophysicist Kirsten Banks, and educator and presenter Shelley Ware.
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.
