Mataranka Library Hosts Australian Reading Hour

Two people reading from the same book

Pictured: Kerri Coghlan and Aaron Mardi from the Jilkminggan School reading Main Abija by Karen Rogers.

Australian Reading Hour is a national day dedicated to sharing the joys of books, reading and stories for one hour.

This year, Roper Gulf Regional Council is proud to support the Australian Reading Hour, which is an Australia Reads initiative.

On Thursday 9 March 2023 the Mataranka Library hosted the Mataranka School, Jilkminggan School, Jilkminggan Family as First Teachers (FaFT) and local Aged Care clients for a community ‘Reading Hour’ at the Mataranka Hall.

The audience listened to four local guests read their favourite books.

Paige Burt, a teacher from Mataranka School, started by reading her favourite book ‘Belinda’ by Pamela Allen.

Aaron Mardi and Kerri Coghlan, teachers from Jilkminggan School, were next and they read ‘Main Abija’ (My Grandad) by Karen Rogers.

Main Abija is a bilingual book with Kriol and English on each page. Aaron read the story in Kriol and Kerri read the story in English so both Kriol and English speakers in the audience could enjoy this beautiful book.

Next up was Mataranka Police Sergeant Michael Valladares, who read his own book that he wrote for his sons.

And last but not least, Mataranka resident Cheryl Birch read ‘How Frogmouth Found Her Home’ by Ambelin Kwaymullina.

After the panel guests read their books, the students picked their favourite books from the library selection and broke up into smaller reading circles.

It was very special to see Mataranka Aged Care client Jeffrey Doctor join the reading circle with his grandchildren as they enjoyed the Reading Hour together with family.

CEO Marc Gardner commended the Council staff, teachers and volunteers who organised and attended the event yesterday.

“Books, reading, literacy, storytelling and listening are critically important for the development and learning for all children. It is so good to see our communities embracing this and coming together for such a fantastic event!”

“Children are our future and providing valuable events like this, through our libraries with books and resources for our communities, is fundamental to supporting children’s growth and learning,” Mr Gardner said.

The libraries across our region are proudly supported by Northern Territory (NT) Library & Archives.

ENDS

Click here to view Media Release

Media Contact:

Bethany O’SULLIVAN | Communications Coordinator | (08) 8972 9024 

4 people standing next to each other holding up a book
Grandparent with grandchild sitting on his knee
Grandparent with his 4 grandchildren standing around him
Crowd of people sitting in a hall
Two women sitting on black chairs
A lady in a white shirt reading a book to audience
Crowd of people sitting in a hall applauding
4 students sitting on black chairs
Two people sitting down. The man is holding a children's book
2 students sitting on bean bags
2 elderly women sitting on black chairs
Sergeant Michael reading his own book
Sergeant Michael reading his own book
A women holding up a children's book and reading to audience
A women holding up a children's book and reading to audience
A women and her child sitting on a black chair in an audience
4 people reading a book on the floor
4 people reading a book on the floor
4 students reading a book on floor
Group of students and teacher reading a book on the floor
3 students reading a book on the floor
A teacher and student reading a book on the floor
Teacher and student reading a book
Young student reading a book on the floor
2 students reading books on the floor
Page last updated on 10 March 2023