Australian Reading Hour – Stories that matter

Australia Reads is over for 2021, but its effects linger… Graham Perrett MP, co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Books and Writers, recently spoke in parliament of the importance of books and reading, and highlighted this year’s Australian Reading Hour theme by sharing his own Stories That Matter, saying: 

Australian Reading Hour is in its 10th year and this year, more than ever, we’ve needed our books to transport us from the daily reality of viruses, vaccines, homeschooling, travel restrictions and lockdowns. 

My top 10 in order are: Cloudstreet, by Tim Winton; My Brilliant Career, by Miles Franklin; A Kindness Cup, by Thea Astley; Boy Swallows Universe, by Trent Dalton; Such is Life, by Joseph Furphy; Charades, by Janette Turner Hospital; Bring Larks and Heroes, by Thomas Keneally; Praise, by Andrew McGahan; The Narrow Road to the Deep North, by Richard Flanagan; and My Brother Jack, by George Johnston. 

Happy reading, everybody.

Future RISE Funding

In good news to coincide with Australia Reading Hour, Australia Reads has received $300,000 funding from the Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund. This will support future Australia Reads initiatives to get more people reading more books, more often.   

Deakin had connections to these Australia Reads Ambassadors in 2021.