State-wide funding available for family reading programs

The State Library of Western Australia's Better Beginnings micro and innovation grants are back with a pool of $200,000 available for libraries and community groups to launch and deliver family literacy programs.
  • Apply for Better Beginnings Community Grants until 30 September
  • Micro grants of $5,000 to $10,000 and innovation grants from $10,001 to $30,000 available
  • Programs support social connection and encourage families to read, talk, sing, write and play every day

The State Library of Western Australia's Better Beginnings micro and innovation grants are back with a pool of $200,000 available for libraries and community groups to launch and deliver family literacy programs.

Since 2021, the State Library of Western Australia has awarded 44 grants totalling $596,000 to assist libraries and community organisations to develop early literacy activities that meet their local communities' needs.

The Town of Port Hedland received funding which enabled them to trial and launch Under the Yarning Tree, an interactive storytelling event in an outdoor environment. The program, which is now ongoing, was commended at the 2024 Library Board of Western Australia Awards last month.

Communicare received funding to deliver its Play School initiative in the Canning area. The pilot program supports parents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with children from 3 to 5 years of age. The program simulates kindergarten activities so families can learn the structures of the Australian education system and helps prepare children with additional needs to transition to school.

Applications for round four of the Better Beginnings Family Literacy Community Grants are open until 5pm on Monday, 30 September 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit https://slwa.wa.gov.au/whats-on/grants/better-beginnings-grants.

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

"Pre-reading skills are the building blocks that children need to be ready to learn through reading, talking, singing, writing and playing.

"We've seen past Better Beginnings grants getting new programs off the ground so they can continue in local communities.

"The successful programs model to families how they can introduce and continue literacy activities at home. The State Library welcomes applications from community organisations and public libraries for programs to be delivered in 2025."