In recent years, according to Education Minister Natalie Hutchins, the participation level had risen significantly in the programme which involves many of Australia's renowned illustrators and writers hosting online sessions reading to students and explaining how important it is to read.
She said providing support for students to read is such a powerful tool that can lead to instilling a love of learning in each one that could last a lifetime, adding:
"The Virtual Author Program ensures our students can meet the people behind some of their favourite Books – no matter where they go to school."
The first session held for 2023 attracted an estimated audience of 140 secondary and primary schools, including many from rural and regional areas. A further nine sessions are scheduled to be held throughout the year, with featured authors to include Adrian Beck, Kirli Saunders, Morris Gleitzman and more. Many are highly recognisable, having appeared in many poster printing campaigns to promote their new releases.
The programme joins other initiatives such as the Premiers' Reading Challenge, which is launching its 2023 run soon, which encourages children up to Year 10 to read a set number of Books within the year. They can choose between non-fiction, poems, short stories or picture Books.
Get a Free Quote for Books