Congratulations, Michelle. Shire of Yilgarn Australia Day Active Citizenship Award

Michelle Calderbank was presented with WA’s  Shire of Yilgarn Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for her significant contribution to supporting the Yilgarn community.

Michelle set up Paint the Yligarn REaD in her own time to provide the next generation of children in Southern Cross with the best possible chance to reach their potential. Michelle is a high school English teacher. She has witnessed first hand the significant challenges for young people who have missed out on important early literacy foundational experiences.

A long-time resident in Southern Cross, Michelle has had the connections and the respect in the community to engage everyone in supporting and spreading the PTTR message. This includes her high school students who eagerly took on the catering role  at the launch event, and gained catering qualifications in the process.

Michelle has a number of other voluntary roles in the community, such as running the Young Entertainers program for the past 12 years and active involvement in sporting clubs.

Congratulations to Michelle — a great PTTR Champion.

Michelle with award
Michelle receiving her Australia Day Award.
And yes, singing is an important part of the PTTR message.

2018 – REaDy, Set, Go!

Paint the Town REaD groups across Australia are off and running, and especially  Librarians, who are including children under school age in their Summer Reading Challenges at their local libraries. It’s a great way to give children starting school that final boost, and for younger children to model from older siblings is always a super opportunity. And you might even bump into your local PTTR mascot there as well.

Rooby Roo and Blacktown Council’s Children’s Librarian Lee Castledine enjoying a book together. And Poppy Possum is at Cumberland Library getting her books read too!

Paint the Town REaD logo Paint the Town REaD ladybird Book Paint the Town REaD Ladybird body back Ladybird body front