Twenty-two percent of Australian children start school developmentally vulnerable. The strongest predictor is not being read to regularly at home.

Ninety percent of childrent who start school behind, never catch up.

This year’s Charity Brunch will support children across Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, and Walgett build brighter futures with early literacy.  This program provides children with a free, high-quality and age-appropriate book in the mail each month from birth to age five, fostering a lifelong love of reading, and creating an evidence-based pathway for a child’s success in later life. 

In 2021, the NSW Government partnered with United Way Australia to enrol up to 17,000 children in the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, improving access to books and encouraging shared reading at home. However, the government grant expires in June 2026. 

Recognising its value, several communities are now working towards self-funding to ensure children continue to receive books at home. Over the next 12 months, Brewarrina , Coonamble, Gilgandra, and Walgett need your support to bridge the funding gap. 

The importance of early literacy: 

Early literacy is crucial because it lays the groundwork for a child’s future success—academically, socially, and emotionally. When children are exposed to books and reading from birth, they develop vital language and cognitive skills, curiosity, and confidence. Research shows that children who are read to regularly are more likely to start school ready to learn, perform better in class, and continue thriving throughout life. Investing in early literacy is one of the most effective ways to break cycles of disadvantage and unlock every child’s potential.

Why Brewarrina, Coonamble, Walgett, and Gilgandra:

The target communities rank in the bottom 25 statewide for literacy and socio-economic status. Brewarrina, Coonamble, Walgett, and Gilgandra are among the most disadvantaged communities in New South Wales, with some of the lowest literacy rates and limited access to educational resources. Families in these rural areas often face significant barriers, including geographic isolation and economic hardship, making it harder for children to access books and early learning opportunities. By focusing our support on these communities, we can help bridge the gap, ensuring local children receive the resources they need to build strong reading habits and brighter futures.

Partner organisations in each town:

• Brewarrina: Rotary Dubbo South (36 children)
• Coonamble: Mackillop Rural Services (253 children)
• Gilgandra: Gilgandra Rotary Club (169 children)
• Walgett: Mackillop Mobile Children’s Service (247 children)

Fundraising will be split proportionally amongst the 4 towns. 

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Model:

· Starts at 0: Eligible children can be enrolled from birth, maximising learning potential.

· Free for Participants: No cost for families, ensuring accessibility for those experiencing disadvantage.

· Low Barrier to Entry: Books are posted monthly to the home—no collection required.

· Operates in the Home: Books are mailed to children, developing a strong home literacy environment.

· Regular Book Delivery: A new book is mailed each month, growing a child’s at-home library until age 5. 

· Reading Guidance: Caregivers receive tip sheets and online tools to enhance engagement.

· Wraparound Approach: Connects families to child-related community services (health, playgroups, libraries, etc).

Impact:

The impact of this program in regional communities has been profound.

Tamworth Study (Macquarie University, 2024)

· Children in the Imagination Library were read to more often, for longer, and had more books in the home than the average Australian child.

· 75% of children asked to be read to daily.

· 70% of fathers were reading at least twice a week.

· Regular reading routines were maintained and associated with improved emerging literacy skills.

· Children entered preschool with early literacy skills ready.

· Early educators had to adapt their curriculum as children arrived literacy-ready.

Global & National Research

Children in the Imagination Library are:

· 33% more likely to be read to at least four times a week.

· 8 times more likely to be interested in books and engage in shared reading after receiving only 10 books.

· More than twice as likely to demonstrate key early literacy skills.

And, at 3 years, 85% of caregivers felt more connected to their child and reported more quality family time.

Your generosity will help bridge the funding gap for these communities. One book, one child, one community at a time.