Australia Post is celebrating the delivery of the 500,000th book for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) Book Supply program, marking an important milestone in its partnership with the ILF that supports access to books and educational resources for First Nations children.
The 500,000th book, Moli bin git stak (Molly Gets Stuck) was processed in Sydney before making its journey through Australia Post's extensive network, arriving at the Toowoomba Delivery Centre, then onto Charleville, and finally delivered to Cunnamulla Library in South West regional Queensland.
In partnership with the ILF since 2020, Australia Post delivers over 100,000 books annually to more than 400 First Nations Communities and schools nationwide for the ILF, leveraging its network to deliver to some of the most remote areas in Australia.
Australia Post CEO and Managing Director, Paul Graham said the Australia Post network reaches into every Community across Australia which is why this partnership is so important.
"We're extremely proud of our longstanding partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, supporting the delivery of essential educational resources to First Nations Communities and schools through the Book Supply program. By leveraging our delivery network, culturally appropriate books reach children in remote Communities, helping to foster literacy and a sense of connection to language.
"The 500,000th book travelled thousands of kilometres to reach the community in Cunnamulla, highlighting the breadth of our network. We look forward to delivering another 500,000 books to these Communities, to improve children's access to books and educational resources," Mr. Graham said.
Molly Gets Stuck by Karen Manbulloo tells the story of Molly the pig, who gets stuck under a van, prompting the whole town to come together to help her out. This book, like many others delivered through the Book Supply program, offers children engaging, culturally resonant stories that inspire a love of reading. Over 50% of books in the Book Supply packs feature Indigenous authors and illustrators, allowing children to see themselves and their culture reflected in the stories.
"The vast distances between the Communities the ILF works with across Australia makes the delivery of books a vital component of our work. Our Book Supply program ensures that culturally appropriate books are distributed to some of the most remote areas across the country. The ILF is extremely grateful for the incredible support of Australia Post who make this program possible. Thanks to them, 500,000 books are in the hands of children and families in remote Communities," said ILF CEO Ben Bowen.
Australia Post customers can help celebrate this 500,000-delivery milestone by picking up a commemorative bookmark in participating Post Offices or by donating to the ILF in Post Offices or online throughout July.
Australia Post is committed to playing its part in the progression of reconciliation and the partnership with ILF forms part of Australia Post's Reconciliation Action Plan to celebrate the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages and profile First Nations storytelling with bilingual books.
To learn more about the partnership, visit auspost.com.au/ilf.
Media contact:
Erin Price, Public Relations Manager
0487 253 908
