Best Start is a State Government Initiative providing support to families and caregivers of children from birth to six years. A particular focus is supporting language and literacy skill development though a variety of programs that encourage reading. Reading to children is a key to good language development and educational success and the programs require a regular supply of children’s board books and picture books.
“This is a great initiative that was successfully launched last year during COVID. Children often grow out of books and being able to share and donate your old books, provides the opportunity for other children to develop early literacy skills. Reading and sharing stories can encourage their imagination, develop focus and concentration and develop language and communication” said Louise Mitchell, Director Community, Greater Shepparton City Council.
The book drive coincides with the Children’s Book Council Australia (CBCA) book week, an initiative that aims to bring children and books together to celebrate book week.
Donations from the community of any unwanted, good quality children’s books can be dropped off to a collection point at Greater Shepparton City Council Offices from Wednesday 24 August to Friday 2 September during opening hours (Wednesday to Friday, 9am-3pm), or alternatively picked up by contacting Best Start on 03 5832 9806 or emailing belinda.schmedje@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
