ASA Donates $3078 to Indigenous Literacy Project

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) announced today it had donated $3078
­ one dollar for each of its members ­ to the Indigenous Literacy Project.

The lack of literacy in Indigenous communities is a major problem for
Australia, said Dr Jeremy Fisher, ASA Executive Director. We are by no
means a rich organisation, but we want help resolve this problem. We are
fortunate to be the heir to the literary estates of Mouni Sadhu and Dal
Stivens. We¹re certain both these authors would appreciate their bequests
being used in this manner. We want ALL Australian children to be equally
literate so as they can live complete lives, inclusive of being able to read
and enjoy the wonderful books created by our members.²

Individual members of the ASA have been key players in the Project. ASA
Chair Dr Anita Heiss is an Ambassador for the project along with members
Alexis Wright, Kate Grenville and Andy Griffiths. As well, many other
members have been actively engaged with events organised around Indigenous
Literacy Day.

The Committee of Management of the ASA voted unanimously to make the
donation at its meeting of 9 August. The Indigenous Literacy Project is a
joint initiative of the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Australian Booksellers
Association and the Australian Publishers Association.

For more information about bequests to the ASA, see www.asauthors.org