Reading for Kids Gippsland (RFKG) is reflecting on a successful year of literacy, creativity and community connection, made possible through strong partnerships with local opportunity shops, businesses, schools and volunteers across East Gippsland.
At a recent presentation to the Paynesville Community Opportunity Shop (POS) committee, RFKG volunteer Karen Fleischer outlined how the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2025 theme Book an Adventure shaped the organisation’s activities throughout the year.
The theme encouraged children not only to read widely, but to see books as gateways to discovery, learning and real-world experiences.
A major milestone in 2025 marked the fourth consecutive year RFKG delivered CBCA bookmarks to primary school students, reaching more than 30 schools across the region.
Used daily during independent reading time, the bookmarks introduced students to the six CBCA Book of the Year categories and encouraged borrowing from both school and public libraries.
The bookmark program was initially funded by the Paynesville Community Opportunity Shop, supporting Paynesville Primary School and Eagle Point Primary School.
When CBCA merchandise costs increased this year, Johnno’s Opp Shop stepped in with additional funding, allowing the program to expand to Bairnsdale schools and surrounding communities including Clifton Creek, Lindenow and Lindenow South.
As a result, every primary school child across East Gippsland received the same literacy resource.
In addition to bookmarks, Paynesville and Eagle Point primary schools received extra CBCA merchandise and a special gift — a personally signed copy of South with the Seabirds by Jess McGeachin.
The book was widely used in classrooms to support cross-curricular learning across literacy, art, science and environmental studies.
Throughout the year, RFKG also produced around 60 short videos promoting reading, library use and newly published Australian books by local authors, illustrators and publishers.
One highlight was a video showcasing the Paynesville Opportunity Shop’s Book Week display, which won a CBCA competition for the most likes, reflecting strong community engagement and pride.
Ms Fleischer also highlighted RFKG’s efforts to encourage families to take book-inspired adventures beyond the classroom.
Video storytelling invited families to consider train travel to Melbourne during school holidays, including visits to State Library Victoria, where children can explore free exhibitions, historic spaces and family-friendly activities.
Improved rail access and occasional public transport promotions were promoted as opportunities for regional families to connect reading with cultural experiences.
Ms Fleischer acknowledged the wide range of community partners whose support made the year’s outcomes possible, including ongoing year-round support from Charlotte King at Schoolworks Bairnsdale, as well as contributions from Bairnsdale Office Choice, Bairnsdale Mazda and Hyundai, Grinter Transport Services, GELLEN, the Paynesville Community Opportunity Shop and Johnno’s Opp Shop.
Their combined financial, in-kind and logistical support ensured resources were sourced, transported and delivered to schools throughout the region.
“As we approach Christmas, it’s important to acknowledge what community support can achieve,” Ms Fleischer said.
“Because of these partnerships, books became adventures, bookmarks became daily reading tools, and children across East Gippsland experienced the joy of stories together.”
Reading for Kids Gippsland has extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to all supporters and is looking forward to continuing to promote reading, Australian stories and community connection in the year ahead.
