Reduce the Gap - Melbourne mob is closing the gap on Aboriginal literacy

Reduce the Gap - A grass roots idea

Melbourne mob is closing the gap on Aboriginal literacy

What do David Malouf, David Boone, Brian Nankervis, Geraldine Brookes and Tony Shaw all have in common?

They are part of a Melbourne mob working together on a grass roots idea to help close the gap on Aboriginal literacy by supporting the Indigenous Literacy Project with a clever idea for a book raffle with a twist.

Over 30 local writer, artists, actors, musicians and sports stars are involved in a raffle of the books that have inspired themand fired their imaginations. Each of them has nominated the book that changed their lives, and why. Their favourite books will be raffled at a grass roots event in St Kilda on October 7 to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Project.

Recent international research suggests that being able to read has a direct impact on the health of an individual and for the community at large.

Sharing a belief that our imagination is how we explore and make sense of the world, and that an important part of developing our imagination and curiosity is storytelling, A Grass Roots Idea began to assist Indigenous communities in a positive, supportive, creative sense. Being able to read is fundamental, and over one third of young indigenous people in remote communities are seriously disadvantaged by low level literacy.

"This is our way of connecting our local mob to the people in remote communities, by sharing the things we love."

Celebrities that have nominated books include Cathy Freeman, Jane Hall, Alan Border, Geraldine Brooks, David Malouf, Neil Perry, David Boon, Vince Colosimo, Brian Nankervis, Andrew Gaze, Kevin Sheedy, Aaron Davey, Ian Botham, Mark Ella and many more.

Working closely with the Australian Booksellers Association and the Australian Publishers Association, Fred Hollows Foundation purchases books and other culturally appropriate learning materials for remote communities where the foundation works. ILP and Fred Hollows currently supply books to communities in the Katherine East Region NT, Ngaanyatjarra Region WA, Western NSW and Woorabinda Qld.

Geraldine Brookes, David Malouf, Dr Anita Heiss, Tara June Winch, Andy Griffith and Alexis Wright are ambassadors for the ILP. Last year ILP raised over $250,000 to buy and supply books to Indigenous Communities.

All the money raised from Reduce the Gap will go to the ILP and Fred Hollows Foundation.

Reduce the Gap - A book raffle with a twist

Date: Tuesday 7th October, 2008
Time: 6.15pm - 9.30pm
Location: The Deck @ Circa Melbourne 2 Acland St, St Kilda
Entertainment: Choir Mood Swing, celebrity book readings

Tickets: $50 - food and drink on arrival (Crittenden Wines)
Bookings: Call 0401 692 533 or visit: www.grassrootsidea.com