ASA Donates $3078 to Indigenous Literacy Project

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) announced today it had donated $3078 – one dollar for each of its members – to the Indigenous Literacy Project.

“The lack of literacy in Indigenous communities is a major problem for Australia,” said Dr Jeremy Fisher, ASA Executive Director. “We are by no means a rich organisation, but we want help resolve this problem. We are fortunate to be the heir to the literary estates of Mouni Sadhu and Dal Stivens. We’re certain both these authors would appreciate their bequests being used in this manner. We want ALL Australian children to be equally literate so as they can live complete lives, inclusive of being able to read and enjoy the wonderful books created by our members.”

Individual members of the ASA have been key players in the Project. ASA Chair Dr Anita Heiss is an Ambassador for the project along with members Alexis Wright, Kate Grenville and Andy Griffiths. As well, many other members have been actively engaged with events organised around Indigenous Literacy Day.

The Committee of Management of the ASA voted unanimously to make the donation at its meeting of 9 August. The Indigenous Literacy Project is a joint initiative of the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Australian Booksellers Association and the Australian Publishers Association.

For more information about bequests to the ASA, see www.asauthors.org