70th Anniversary of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Queensland Branch

Children’s Book Council of Australia Queensland Branch President, Ms Claire Jackson, Vice-President, Ms Trish Buckley and Committee Members; authors and illustrators; educators and librarians; distinguished guests, and all the avid readers among us – which I imagine is everyone here today! Welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this afternoon.

I am delighted to host this reception marking the 70^th Anniversary of the Queensland Branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia and warmly congratulate the branch and its members on the wonderful role it has played – and continues to play – in the lives of young people in our state.

Inspiring and delighting children for seven decades now is certainly an achievement that should be applauded.

The might of books and storytelling can overcome even the darkest of days for children (and indeed for adults). Stories can lift the spirits, they can transport us to wondrous places, they can fill our imaginations with joy and curiosity.

As Patron of the CBCA Queensland Branch, I take great pleasure every year seeing the joy on the faces of children across the state as they take part in Children’s Book Week celebrations.

Children can choose to embody a character from a book that has brought them happiness in one way or another for a nationwide dress up that doesn’t quite ‘stop the nation’, but almost!

However, the impact of books on young lives is felt far beyond the joys of Book Week, for – in the words of this year’s theme – reading truly is magic and can cast a spell on the most tender, or toughest, of minds.

Quality children’s literature is the ship on which many a child sails to realms of enhanced imagination and creativity. Reading really is a holiday away from the every-day.

The Queensland Branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia has been active in so many ways in its quest to promote the enjoyment of books for children. As well as Book Week, the Readers Cup has been incredibly successful, as have its outreach programs which connect young people with quality literature, enriching their young lives and fostering a love of reading into adulthood.

A passion for books is a passion shared by many. It is thanks to the volunteers like you in the room today who work tirelessly to ensure that all young Queenslanders have the opportunity to experience the ‘magic’ of a book well-read, and we thank you for your contributions to such a wonderful venture.

Speaking of contributions, I also have the immense pleasure this evening to present the Biennial Dame Annabelle Rankin Award for Distinguished Services to Children's Literature to a most deserving recipient, who will be announced by your President, Ms Jackson shortly – how exciting!

For now, my warmest congratulations to the Queensland Branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia for working your magic for an incredible 70 years! Happy anniversary!