More than 100 literacy experts, researchers and community leaders have gathered in Camden for a national conference focused on giving children the strongest possible start in life.
Camden hosted the 10th National Paint the Town REaD Conference at Camden Civic Centre, bringing delegates together in person and online over two days to share ideas and innovative approaches to early literacy and child development.
“The number of young families calling the Camden area home continues to grow, so it’s important we continue to invest in our children’s future and give them the best possible foundations to learn, grow and thrive,” Camden Mayor Cr Vince Ferreri said.
The conference highlighted the powerful role everyday reading, talking, singing and rhyming can play from birth, helping children develop the literacy and communication skills that underpin lifelong learning.
Researchers, practitioners and community leaders explored how research and data can be turned into practical, locally relevant programs, while the event also opened the door to new partnerships between organisations supporting children and families.
Ferreri said Camden Council had been a long-standing supporter of Paint the Town REaD and its focus on early literacy.
“We really believe in the Paint the Town REaD initiative and everything it stands for,” he said.
“Our library services, early years programs and community partnerships reflect these ideals, including our regular Storytime and Rhyme Time sessions at Camden Libraries, early literacy activities for families and collaboration with local early childhood services to promote reading from birth.”
Paint the Town REaD is a nationally recognised early literacy initiative encouraging families and communities to read, talk, sing and rhyme with children from birth, creating literacy-rich environments in which children can learn and thrive.
