Hands Across the Nation Appeal, Statements of Support

Many notable Australians have raised their hands in support. Please take time to read what they have to say about The Appeal and our programs.

Therese Rein

"The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation offers a range of programs aimed at improving the literacy of Indigenous Australians. Their approach is soundly based on evidence and best practice. The ALNF's strength also lies in it's way of capturing, respecting and safeguarding Indigenous languages."

Professor Marie R Bashir AC CVO

Governor of New South Wales & ALNF Vice Regal Patron

"With good literacy, numeracy and communication skills, children are better placed to negotiate the challenges of their education at school, and beyond. This, in turn, supports their ability and aspirations to become successful and fulfilled adult contributors in the wider society.

Australia's role and destiny in contributing to the wellbeing of our neighbours in the Asia-Pacific area, and beyond, will be strengthened and enriched by all Australians achieving their potential in literacy and numeracy during their early years of education.

The vision and commitment of Mary-Ruth Mendel, Kim Kelly and the dedicated team at the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation is truly inspirational."

Justice Kevin Lindgren

ALNF Vice Patron

"How to read and write! What goal could be more worthy than to teach these skills to marginalised Australians! Please support the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation's appeal."

Tom Calma

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner & ALNF Ambassador

"I urge Australians to support the National Hands Across the Nation Appeal. This important appeal aims to raise money to assist Indigenous Australians to develop literacy and numeracy in English and in Indigenous languages.

Many Indigenous Australians have not had the same educational opportunities as other Australians. As a consequence, Indigenous children and adults do not have the same standards of literacy and numeracy compared with non-Indigenous people.

Over the past ten years, the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation has developed a range of materials and programs aimed at all stages of the lifelong learning cycle; from early childhood learning through to school education and adult language and literacy. Many of the programs are integrated; meaning that adults are involved in school and early childhood programs in ways which improves outcomes for everyone. The evaluations of these projects show that they are successful in achieving their stated objectives.

There continues to be an overwhelming demand for the kind of work that the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation is undertaking. I urge you to lend your support to their appeal. It is work like this which assists some of the most marginalised Australians to access programs which develop literacy and numeracy skills for whole communities".

Catherine Freeman OAM

Olympian, Former Young Australian of the Year and Australian of the Year

"I encourage all Australians to support the fine work of the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation by giving to the National Hands Across the Nation Appeal. This is one organisation that truly empowers individuals and communities the country over and I'm proud to be associated with this kind of success."

Deborah Thomas

ALNF Ambassador

"I have been a supporter of the ALNF since its conception ten years ago. Having spent my career in print as a journalist and editor, and as a mother, I understand the impact poor literacy can have on a person's emotional, social and financial wellbeing. I am proud to be a part of the ALNF and I have taken on the role of Ambassador to assist in raising awareness of ALNF's outstanding work.

I believe that literacy is a key skill needed to empower Indigenous Australian young people. I encourage all Australians to get behind ALNF's Hands Across The Nation Appeal this November."

The Wiggles

"The Wiggles understand the importance of helping all children develop competence in literacy and numeracy thus enabling them to take their rightful place in today's world.

The Wiggles are delighted to have contributed to the work of the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation in Indigenous communities and to have had the opportunity to learn more about one community's own language and to share that learning with other Australian children. They encourage all Australians to support the ways in which the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation is helping to empower Indigenous Australians through better education."

Patrick Ryder

Essendon FC

"This year I have had the opportunity to work with a number of reluctant readers in a number of primary schools as part of the Essendon's Literacy Program, which was designed together with the ALNF. Reading is a fundamental skill for everyday life and I have enjoyed educating the kids on how it helps you achieve your goals. Personally, as a footballer it's a skill that I use every day - from studying football documents to signing contracts."

Bronwyn Bancroft

Indigenous Artist & ALNF Ambassador

"I am really pleased to be an Ambassador for ALNF. The work that is being completed to assist Aboriginal Australians to levels of Literacy that enable participation in decision making about us is fantastic and deserves to be supported. This change is long overdue."

Sarah Wilson

"Literacy is power. I've observed friends and family who struggled to learn to read and write - they were at risk of slipping through all kinds of cracks. Today, in the rush to communicate this can happen all too easily. They were lucky enough to have teachers and parents who turned around to collect them and nurture them sensitively. The ALNF's indigenous programs take a sensitive approach. By working with young kids in their first language they nurture them to the right result. Which is power. Power to grow and develop and power to communicate the cultural nuances and lessons of their own languages."

Simon Swanson

ALNF Ambassador

"Having spent a significant number of years living in 'third world' countries and seeing the devastating impact of low levels of literacy and numeracy it was disappointing to return to Australia and see that so little progress has been made with the literacy and numeracy levels of indigenous Australians. The approach of the ALNF, which puts indigenous language and culture at the centre of the learning journey, is fundamental to lifting literacy and numeracy levels and is why I support the ALNF."

Jared Ingersoll

Chef

"Over my life I have immersed myself in many a novel, and over my career churned through 100's of cookbooks. Reading has given me opportunity to learn and grow. Now I'm the father of two young boys, as I sit with them and read with them I am privileged to enjoy first hand the joy and importance of passing on knowledge to future generations.

It is of absolute importance for children to have access to great education and opportunities for good literacy development, not only for themselves but for preserving and recording history."

Deborah Cheetham

Indigenous opera singer & ALNF Ambassador

"When you change expectations you can change outcomes. The weight of low expectation has kept our children at a disadvantage for far too long. Through programs aimed at improving the literacy of Indigenous Australians, ALNF will help raise the expectations we have for our children. Thank you ALNF for lifting expectations."

Mario Fenech

"I have had a life in Rugby League, I lived my dream and enjoyed the amazing ride of ups and downs. Looking back I am so grateful to my Mum & Dad who made sure that even though I was so passionate about my dream to play in the 'big time' they ensured that I understood the importance of my education.

I will always remember my Dad saying an educated footballer has an advantage over an uneducated footballer, you need more than the ability to be a good player."

Pip Edwards

Sass & Bide Accessories Designer/Stylist/DJ & mother of one

"All Australians deserve the same kind of educational opportunities and the same level of support to learn and communicate - especially our children. It's their right to know the basics, especially in the most remote and rural areas.

The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation needs funds to continue its vital work. Out of sight does not mean out of mind... I totally give my hands to this National Hands Across The Nation Appeal."

Jon Luff

Border Express

"The work and delivery of the programs and materials provided by the National Hands Across the Nation Appeal and the ANLF, address the real needs of Indigenous Australians and communities that may be marginalised and excluded from mainstream educational support.

The life skills that these programs create are carried by the individual forever, providing hope, opportunity and strength with benefits flowing through to local communities and the Australian way of life as a whole.

Border Express is proud of the work that is being conducted by the ANLF and the support of the National Hands Across the Nation Appeal is our small way of acknowledging the huge value and success this work has for so many Australians. Thank you for the opportunity to engage with the ANLF and we look forward to being a long term sponsor."