Australia Post extends Indigenous Literacy Foundation partnership as book deliveries to remote communities pass 600,000

Australia Post has extended its partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) for a further three years, as the organisations cite more than 600,000 books delivered to remote First Nations communities since the partnership began.

It’s been reported that ILF and Australia Post first partnered in 2020 and have since reached more than 400 communities, supporting what ILF describes as “culture, Country and language-centred literacy”. The report said more than half a million books have reached remote communities under the partnership since 2020, with deliveries continuing to scale.

ILF chief executive Ben Bowen said the extension provides certainty for longer-term investment in community-led literacy goals. “Our long-term partnership with Australia Post is one we are truly proud to celebrate today and is a testament to our shared values and commitment to invest in Communities today for tomorrow’s opportunities,” he said. Bowen said the renewed agreement strengthens ILF’s ability to expand programs, adding: “The extension of this relationship is the foundation for the ILF to confidently grow our investment in the literacy aspirations of Community, knowing that reading opens doors to a world of opportunity.”

Australia Post general manager of community and stakeholder engagement Nicky Tracey said the postal network helps keep culturally relevant books flowing to remote communities. “We’re proud to continue our long‑standing partnership with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Through our delivery network, we help ensure these educational resources continue reaching First Nations children in remote Communities, supporting a love of reading and a strong sense of identity” she said.

Beyond book supply, ILF supports early learning resources, mentorship pathways and community publishing. National Indigenous Times reported ILF has helped get 158 books published in English and 48 in First Languages through community-led publishing, and that the partnership will also support Year 11 and 12 students from remote areas to attend a week-long writing and illustrating workshop in Sydney, producing a student-published book through ILF’s Create Initiative.

Australia Post says its support also includes broader community fundraising and backing Indigenous Literacy Day, ILF’s annual national celebration. Advocates argue the long-term value lies in enabling communities to determine what literacy looks like locally, using stories that reflect language, identity and Country.