Level 2 / 11-19 Bank Place
T 61 3 9642 4899 office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Top authors awarded for excellence in
children’s language and literacy development
Speech Pathology Australia will award three authors tomorrow for excellence in the development
of children’s speech, language and literacy skills.
“The alarming decline in literacy (reading) skills in Australia over the past decade highlights the
importance of developing children’s language and literacy from an early age - seven million adult
Australians have literacy skills that are inadequate to meet the demands of everyday life,” said
Speech Pathology Australia’s national public affairs councillor, Judith Rathmell.
“As the peak professional body for speech pathologists we are in a unique position to recommend
books to parents and educators, that can assist children’s speech, language and literacy
development.
“An engaging story encourages children to develop their imagination and curiosity, and to explore
new ideas, which is vital for language and literacy.
“Learning to read is the foundation for future academic success. Students with language and
literacy disorders experience difficulty with the school curriculum and this often leads to
disengagement and behaviour disorders,” said Ms Rathmell.
Academic success, including literacy, is a known protective factor against many long-term issues
including poor school retention rates, diminished employment opportunities, substance abuse
and juvenile offending.
“Speech Pathology Australia applauds the government’s National Early Childhood Development
Strategy and Early Years Learning Framework – reflecting that language is one of the key
building blocks allowing a child to communicate, interact with others and learn,” said Ms
Rathmell.
Early intervention for oral language deficits is crucial to ensure a healthy transition to literacy.
Approximately 16% of Australian children have difficulties learning to read. Speech Pathologists
are the professionals who assess, diagnose and treat oral language and reading deficits.
The Awards, which began in 2003, will be presented at Civic Library in Canberra tomorrow.
This year’s guest speakers are News presenter, Jessica Good of WIN NEWS and Ms Joy Burch,
MLA, representing the ACT Chief Minister’s Office.
Authors Ruth Starke (Noodle Pie), Mark Carthew (The Gobbling Tree) and Ursula Dubosarsky
(The Terrible Plop) will tomorrow receive one of Speech Pathology Australia’s 2009 Book of the
Year Awards.
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Media contacts:
Caroline Huze, Marketing & Communications on 0402 919 839 or
marketing@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
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Media Release
Embargoed until: 20 October
Notes to Media:
Speech Pathology Australia’s national Public Affairs councillor, Judith Rathmell, is available for
interview.
The Book of the Year Awards Ceremony will be at ACT Civic Library (180 London Circuit,
Canberra City) at 10.00am – 11.30am on 20 October, 2009.
Images of book covers are available in jpeg format.
Book of the Year Awards winners – Best Books for Language Development:
Award category
Author
Book
Young Children
(2 – 5 years)
Ursula
Dubosarsky
The Terrible Plop
Playfully rhythmic language brings alive this
Tibetan myth and engages young children
with its repetition of “the terrible plop!”
Lower Primary
(5 – 8 years)
Mark Carthew
The Gobbling Tree
Fires the imagination of children as they
search for numerous items and problem solve
with innovative solutions. What will the tree
gobble up next?!
Upper Primary
(8 – 12 years)
Ruth Starke
Noodle Pie
A humorous perspective on differing ways of
life lifts this story above other more sombre
stories tackling the big issues of refugees,
cultural differences, poverty and familial
obligations.
About Speech Pathology Australia:
Speech Pathology Australia is the national peak body for more than 4,500 members who
specialise in working with people of all ages who have communication or swallowing difficulties.
The Association supports and regulates the ethical, clinical and professional standards of its
members. The Association also lobbies and advocates for people with communication and
swallowing difficulties.
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NEWS 
