Reception at Government House Tasmania to celebrate CBCA Book Week 2024

What a wonderful way to herald in the start of Book Week for 2024 with a reception held at Government House Tasmania.

With the excitement of the Book Award announcements at midday a goodly number of Tasmanian children’s literature lovers headed to the magnificent and stately Government House for a 4:00 pm reception at the invitation of Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers AO to celebrate the beginning of Book Week 2024.

 

The Governor warmly welcomed the attendees who consisted of an interesting mix of CBCA Tasmania members and committee with teachers, teacher librarians, parents and students, parliamentary and council representatives, along with local authors, illustrators and booksellers, joining together for this auspicious occasion. Special guests included Naomi Malbon from CBCA, Senator Catryna Bilyk, Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey, COS sponsors Ross Johnstone and Alison Renshaw from COS and sponsors of the Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day campaign with Alison also representing the Lyone Foundation, supporter of Toast for Kids, CBCA Tasmania's campaign partner.

 

The Governor’s opening address conveyed key messages on the importance  reading and the significance of Book Week and the work of the Children’s Book Council of Australia in promoting and celebrating literature and the joys of reading across Australia. The Governor made special reference to the success and hard work of the Tasmanian CBCA branch and its partner, Toast for Kids, in its national campaign championing the critical importance to “Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day”. 

The  incorporation of Shadow Judging as part of Book of the Year announcements was also celebrated and superbly demonstrated through the presentation of a Year 6 Picture Book judging team from Calvin Christian College. 

Tasmanian authors and illustrators received special mention and recognition for their creative endeavours and it was a delight to listen to Tasmanian based Tony Flowers, a highly successful author and illustrator discuss some of the challenges faced in creating literature for children and how inspiration comes in a variety of ways – especially from children – who love to critique his work.

 

A scrumptious afternoon tea, served in the regal drawing room, followed the proceedings. The room was filled with chatter as guests mingled – catching up with colleagues and acquaintances and also making new connections. 

As much of our work is conducted virtually the CBCA Tasmania committee members particular enjoyed the time to meet face to face with members and others who have supported the organisation over the years. As the social media coordinator responsible for the blog it was marvellous to meet so many of the people who have contributed to the blog over time and have a chance to chat about current interests and projects. It was also a pleasure to witness the number of authors and illustrators interacting with teachers and students as they discussed their work. 

Some guests, including some of the students who presented, were also treated to a guided tour of some parts of this historic residence – a rare treat that add an extra special note to the occasion. And of course, there was great enthusiasm to celebrate the campaign.

Calvin Christian School students, Julie Hunt and Johanna Bell

A special thank you to the small team of CBCA Tasmania committee members who organised this event and provided such a memorable and enjoyable start to Book Week 2024. Judging from the general buzz of conversation and the happy faces, it was a highly successful afternoon. I certainly enjoyed it immensely!

 

Jennie Bales

CBCA Tasmania Social Media Coordinator

Retired teacher librarian and lecturer – but still reading!