I recently had a flying visit to Perth for Indigenous Literacy Day, and I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who made the trip
exceptional!
1. NOONGAR RADIO: I’m grateful
to Noongar Radio 100.9FM who generously participated in
Indigenous Literacy Day and happily hosted an on-air silent auction of books
during their Drive Program. Unfortunately, it’s regular host Karla Hart was
off-air (and her feet) and so station manager Wayne Bynder and guest host Chris
Ross yarned with me, and together we carried the show as best we could. The
real stars on the day though were the dozens of bidders for the thirteen book
packs donated by (Mabagala Books, HarperCollins, Penguin, Fremantle Arts Centre
Press, the National Library of Australia and individual authors including
Charmaine Papertalk Green). I’m also
grateful and pleased to report that over the time of the broadcast we raised over
$1600 for much needed Indigenous Literacy resources. Thank you! (Pic above of Chris and Michelle in the studio)
2. INSPIRING STUDENTS: I was in Perth also to do motivational talks at
St Brigid’s College in Lesmurdie (somewhere locals call ‘the Hills’). I had a
ball speaking to at the Year 11 assembly during the day, and later that evening
addressing Indigenous students from across the state and boarding at one of a
number of fabulous schools in Perth. The students I met that day / night, were
engaged, intelligent and full of potential and I was / am grateful for the
opportunity to be reminded also of the passion of youth. The pic above is of
the group from the evening session
3. FRANE LESSAC: I am grateful for my dear friend Frane Lessac who is not only
an extraordinary illustrator and artist, but she is also my fabulously fun buddy and
always makes me feel at home in WA. Frane also donated six books to the ILD auction
and the lucky bidder not only took home fabulous story books, but also compact
works of art. If you missed Frane’s guest blog on her trip to Japan you can
read it here.
4.SARA FOSTER: I’m grateful for my fabulous friend Sara Foster , author
of Come Back to Me and Beneath the Shadows. Sara not only trekked into the city
to see me, but she too donated her novel to the book auction to help raise
money for ILD. I love Sara and you should too. If you haven’t read her blog
post here previously, then click this link now and see what Sara is grateful
for.
5. VERITY JAMES: Some of you will know Verity Jamesas an ABC Broadcaster, funeral celebrant and Perth personality for many years. I know
her as a deadly, funny, generous, warm, always positive tidda. And for that I
am grateful.
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