Search starts for State’s top story tellers: Minister

The search is on for dedicated and passionate people to help instil a love of reading among Queensland youngsters. But there's a catch.

Announcing the $2.1 million in funding for the four-year Reading to Children initiative, Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the story tellers need to be seniors, with grandparents highly prized.

"This is a wonderful initiative which will coordinate teams of seniors around the State to go out and read to children in community venues and libraries," Ms Nelson-Carr said.

"Not only does it recognise the wealth of experience and life skills our senior Queenslanders have, but it breaks down the age barriers and gives pre-schoolers a chance to experience literature early," she said.

"Bringing children into contact with reading enhances their language development, literacy skills and helps instil a love of reading."

Funding to the tune of $2.1 million has been granted to the Centre for Community Child Health in partnership with The Smith Family for the pilot.

As a first step, Ms Nelson-Carr said they are seeking six project officers to help recruit volunteers and kick-start some of the new reading programs which will eventually be established in 14 regions throughout Queensland.

"What I love most about this reading initiative is it will bring children and older people together, especially grandparents, to interact and learn from each other," said the Minister.

"I'm also really pleased these two organisations are working together to deliver this dynamic program that will contribute to the nurturing and wellbeing of children and families in local communities."

The Centre for Community Child Health in conjunction with The Smith Family will receive $1,848,000 to operate the program over four years. Another $220,000 has been allocated to assist in establishing the program in the regions of: Townsville-Thuringowa, Mackay-Whitsunday, Wide Bay-Burnett, Fitzroy-Central West, Caboolture-Pine Rivers, Darling Downs, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane South, Brisbane North and the Gold Coast.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the two organisations would also receive $60,000 to research establishing a culturally-appropriate reading program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and volunteers in Far North Queensland, the Cape York and Torres Strait regions.

"Reading to Children initiative is about helping children reach their full potential and encouraging older people to put their expertise and enthusiasm to good use."

The Smith Family CEO Elaine Henry said it was clear there were strong links between literacy and life chances.

“This program is an evidence-based emergent literacy program that supports parents and their children in developing essential reading skills,” Ms Henry said.

“The best way to break the cycle of disadvantage is through education and the earlier we start the better.

“We congratulate the Queensland Government in recognising the importance of early childhood literacy.”

Centre for Community Child Health’s Professor Frank Oberklaid said research conducted by the centre had found one of the best ways to improve literacy was to read regularly to young children.

“Reading regularly to young children sets a strong foundation for enhanced future learning,” Professor Oberklaid said.

Information about the project officer positions is available online at www.thesmithfamily.com.au or contact Sonja Pase on (03) 9473 4310. For information about becoming a volunteer call Tania Kihl on 3308 9347.

Media contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr's office: Karla Steen 0417 603 409,
The Smith Family’s Melissa Beaumont Lee (02) 9085 7292 or 0418 101 818
Professor Frank Oberklaid 0419 555 256 or (03) 5989 8843.