The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation has today announced an exciting new partnership with Teachers Mutual Bank, who are joining us as a proud partner of the Breakfast Library program.

The Breakfast Library is an innovative program that provides children and young people with a regular, healthy breakfast to promote good nutrition and enhance health and wellbeing. It also aims to strengthen literacy development by providing access to high-quality children’s books and literacy resources. By combining breakfast and books, the Breakfast Library program helps to create positive and inclusive learning environments where children can thrive.

Driven by a shared commitment to education, equality, and community impact, this new partnership will support our mission to transform the literacy outcomes and wellbeing of young Australians across some of Australia’s most marginalised communities.

Teachers Mutual Bank’s support will provide funding to help strengthen the program’s impact, enabling more children and young people to start the day with a nutritious meal, ready to learn, and fully participate in their education journey.

“Teachers tell us that when children start the day with a nutritious breakfast, they are more settled, more engaged, and more ready to learn. That makes a real difference in the classroom and helps teachers do what they do best. As the bank for teachers, that matters deeply to us,” said Anthony Hughes, CEO at Teachers Mutual Bank.

“We also understand the powerful role that literacy, wellbeing, and practical support can play in a student’s life. The Breakfast Library program brings these important elements together in a meaningful way.

“As a mutual bank, we’re proud to support our members and the communities they help shape every day. This partnership is a positive expression of our commitment to the teaching community and reflects our purpose in action: banking for good,” Mr Hughes said.

Kim Kelly, ALNF CEO, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Teachers Mutual Bank for standing with us to create real, meaningful change on the ground for some of our youngest learners.

“Teachers Mutual Bank’s belief in the power of education aligns strongly with our mission to make literacy a reality for every child and we look forward to creating impact, together.”

The program is already making a difference in schools such as Curran Public School in south-western Sydney, where students and families have embraced the opportunity to access books alongside a nutritious breakfast.

Kellie Ryan, Assistant Principal at Curran Public School, said: “The Breakfast Library at Curran Public School is proof that when you meet a child’s most basic needs, everything else follows.

“Every morning, we open our doors and watch students arrive and within minutes they are fed, settled, connecting with friends, and holding a book in their hands.

“Partnering with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation has had an incredible impact on our students and our whole school community. Our students love the Breakfast Library and reflect that Breakfast Library feels like family.”

Learn more about the Breakfast Library program here.

To find out more about the work of Teachers Mutual Bank, please visit their website here.

The Board of ALNF today announced a planned leadership transition, with Chief Executive Officer Kim Kelly advising her intention to step down once a replacement CEO is appointed.

Chair Glenn Johnston said the Board is commencing a structured recruitment process in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of leadership.

“Kim Kelly has made a significant contribution to ALNF as a Co-Founder, Executive Director and most recently CEO, strengthening our impact and positioning the organisation for the future. We thank Kim for her leadership and ongoing commitment through this transition period,” the Chair said.

Kim will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer until a replacement is appointed and will support an orderly handover to the incoming CEO.

“This is a planned and well-governed transition. By commencing recruitment early, we are ensuring the organisation remains strongly positioned and that we secure the best possible leadership for the next phase of ALNF’s journey,” the Chair said.

ALNF remains focused on delivering its strategic priorities, with no change to its programs, partnerships or services.

The Board will keep stakeholders informed as the recruitment process progresses.

We are delighted to announce that ALNF has been named as the Best Inclusivity-Focused Literacy & Numeracy Education Group at the 2026 Australian Enterprise Awards.

The award recognises our ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive language and literacy education across Australia, and celebrates the impact of our community-led programs and innovations.

Most importantly, this recognition is a testament to the dedication of our incredible program partners, communities and participants nationwide who we are privileged to work alongside every day. This award belongs to all of you and honours our shared effort to make literacy a reality for every Australian.

To learn more about the 2026 Australian Enterprise Awards, visit: https://apacinsider.digital/apac-insider-shares-the-winners-of-the-australian-enterprise-awards-2026/

To learn more about our award-winning, community-based literacy programs, please visit: https://www.alnf.org/what-we-do

At ALNF, our work is shaped by people who lead with purpose, generosity and a deep commitment to our mission.

Today we are proud to celebrate the long service of Professor Tom Calma AO FAA FASSA FAHA who is stepping down from his role as Chair of the ALNF Board, and to welcome Glenn Johnston as the new Chair.

Professor Calma has served ALNF with distinction, providing strong leadership, guidance and advocacy in support of our mission to make literacy a reality for all Australians. During his tenure as Chair, Professor Calma has played a pivotal role in strengthening ALNF’s governance and championing the importance of literacy and education as powerful pathways to opportunity, equality and self‑determination.

While Professor Calma is stepping away from the roles of Chair and Director, we are delighted that he will continue to remain involved as a valued member of the ALNF family. His ongoing connection with ALNF ensures continuity, and we deeply value the experience, perspective, and wisdom he continues to bring.

On behalf of the Board, staff and partners, we extend our deepest gratitude to Professor Calma for his outstanding contribution and enduring commitment. His knowledge, integrity and vision have left a lasting legacy.

As we look to the future, we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Johnston as the new Chair and Director of ALNF. Glenn brings a strong track record of leadership and governance experience, and a deep alignment with ALNF’s mission and values.

A proud Burramatta (Parramatta) man of the Darug Nation, he is a highly respected Aboriginal leader, educator and Elder. His appointment to the ALNF Board marks an exciting new chapter as ALNF continues to grow its impact and reach across Australia.

Change in leadership is always a significant moment, but it is also an opportunity to honour the past, acknowledge the present, and look ahead with confidence. We look forward to working with Glenn in his new role, and once again thank Professor Calma for his exceptional service and leadership.

It is with great sadness and deep respect that ALNF acknowledges the passing of our Patron, The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir.

Dame Marie served the people of New South Wales with distinction throughout a lifetime of public service, guided by compassion, intellect and empathy. Her unwavering commitment to health, education, and social justice leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

We are deeply honoured to have counted Dame Marie as our Patron. Her steadfast support for literacy, education, and opportunity for all Australians resonates deeply with our purpose and values, and will remain part of the foundation on which our work continues.

We extend our sincerest condolences to Dame Marie’s family, friends, and all those whole lives were strengthened by her remarkable leadership and example.

May her legacy continue to guide and inspire.

We’re proud to share an article recently published in K12 Digest, showcasing the incredible work of ALNF's Director of First Languages & Digital Innovation, Eric Brace.

In this inspiring interview, Eric discusses the importance of literacy and language education, shares his thoughts on promising trends in the education space, and explores how ALNF’s community-led programs are transforming literacy and education outcomes for underserved communities across Australia.

From revitalising Indigenous First Languages to empowering young people and communities through innovative digital tools, the article provides a compelling insight into the vision and people at the heart of our work.

Read the full article here.

Learn more about our Indigenous First Language program here.

Support our work with First Nations communities by donating to the Wall of Hands Appeal.

Today we celebrate International Literacy Day and reaffirm our mission to make literacy accessible for all.

Driven by this vision, we are proud to present a powerful new digital literacy resource created by ALNF Ambassador Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, a proud Bundjalung woman, award-winning illustrator, and deeply committed literacy advocate.

Developed for parents, families, educators, and primary students everywhere, this digital lesson opens a doorway to creativity and connection. Guided by Charmaine’s storytelling and artistry, children are inspired to imagine, express themselves, and share their own stories, building confidence in both language and visual literacy.

Together, ALNF and Officeworks are proud to champion a resource that helps every child dream boldly, learn joyfully, and write their own bright future.

At ALNF, we know that strong literacy in Indigenous First Language leads to a reinvigorated sense of community and identity and increased levels of cultural pride, self-esteem and empowerment. This in turn means better educational, employment and health outcomes for Indigenous communities across the nation.

Our ongoing commitment to the revitalisation of Indigenous First Languages has been brought to life through our multi award-winning Living First Language Platform, now in use across 19 Language Communities, the development of interactive digital literacy game apps for youth and community, and the creation of dynamic literacy and educational resources.

This vital work is a story of the endless possibilities that are nurtured by merging innovation, traditional knowledge, community leadership and technology.

So where did the inspiring story of the Living First Language Platform start?

And what impact, milestones and educational change has it helped bring about for First Nations communities?

Above all, why is it vital for any language revitalisation effort to be community-led to create real, sustainable impact?

Join Eric Brace, ALNF’s Director of First Languages & Digital Innovation, in conversation with Odeta Iseviciute on the Edge of Impact Podcast, as they explore these questions, and discuss the potential of community-driven technology to boldly reshape the way we educate our children in English and First Language.

Tune in now on Spotify, Youtube or Apple Podcasts.

Learn more about ALNF’s Indigenous First Language Program here.

Support our vital work here.

The results from the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) are in, and they reveal a worrying national trend: developmental vulnerability is on the rise among Australia’s youngest learners.

The AEDC, one of the most comprehensive snapshots of early childhood development, measures how children are faring as they begin full-time school across five key domains: physical health, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication and general knowledge. These domains are critical indicators of a child’s readiness to learn and thrive.

Key findings

Alarmingly, this year’s results show that more children are starting school developmentally vulnerable than at any point since the national census began in 2009.

Nearly one in four children were developmentally vulnerable on at least one domain, whilst 12.5% were vulnerable across two or more domains – the highest level ever recorded.

Vulnerability in communication skills and general knowledge rose to 8.9%, highlighting ongoing challenges in early language exposure and support. There was also an increase in the number of children found to be developmentally vulnerable in language and cognitive development, an area directly linked to literacy outcomes.

Despite national trends, First Nations children showed improvements in language and cognitive skills, and communication and general knowledge, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive, community-led support.

However, the number of children from linguistically diverse backgrounds who were developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains increased to 27.4%.

The data also reinforces a stark reality- children in regional, remote and socio-economically disadvantaged communities continue to face higher rates of developmental vulnerability, emphasising the need for targeted, place-based interventions and equitable access to early years services.

An urgent need for place-based early education initiatives

The AEDC data underscores the urgency of our work, particularly in communities where children are starting school already behind.

These early gaps can widen over time, affecting educational achievement, employment opportunities, health and wellbeing and overall life outcomes.

At ALNF, we are more committed than ever to working shoulder-to-shoulder with early learning sites and schools to transform children’s literacy and education outcomes. Our community-led, place-based literacy programs are designed to address these gaps by equipping educators, parents, and community members with the knowledge, skills and resources to foster language-rich environments from the early years so that children are given the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

The AEDC results validate the importance of these efforts and highlight the importance of scaling them to reach more children, especially in linguistically diverse and remote communities.

With your support, we can ensure that every Australian child, regardless of background or postcode, has the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Support our vital work here.

Learn more about our Early Language & Literacy program here, independently proven to close the learning gap for children in marginalised communities.

Visit www.aedc.gov.au to find out more about the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).

We are thrilled to see our Living First Language Platform (LFLP) highlighted as a standout model of Indigenous data sovereignty in action in a report released yesterday by the Chair of the Australian Network for Quality Digital Education, Securing Digital Equity in Australian Education.

The Platform has been recognised as an edtech tool that nurtures strong teaching and learning possibilities in classrooms and communities across Australia, while honouring the key principles of data equity and data sovereignty in harnessing the power of technology.

With lack of access to digital tools and resources needed for their learning, the growing digital divide across Australian schools and communities has augmented the widening gap in educational outcomes of children and young people, with those in marginalised and remote communities increasingly left behind.

But addressing this unfair digital divide goes beyond simply increasing access to digital resources and connectivity. A commitment to data equity is crucial in tackling educational inequality through edtech and digital innovations.

At ALNF, we know that Indigenous data sovereignty – the right of Indigenous peoples to exercise ownership over any data on Indigenous knowledge systems, traditions, stories and Languages – is fundamental to ensuring data equity.

Our work is driven by a fundamental belief in the importance of embedding a community-led philosophy at the heart of all Indigenous Language revitalisation efforts, including the creation and use of digital tools and resources to teach, learn and share these languages with the next generation. As custodians of these valuable cultural and linguistic assets, any effort to preserve First Languages must be driven by Indigenous Elders and communities to create real impact.

The LFLP is a highly accessible, cross-platform multi-media app that preserves and revitalises Indigenous First Languages, empowering speakers with best-practice literacy tools to learn to read, write and teach in their mother tongue.

It demonstrates the creative possibilities that are nurtured when community have governance and control over their Language data, and highlights the potential of community-driven technology to boldly reshape the way we educate our children, so that every child can thrive in school and beyond.

Read the full report here.

Learn more about the Living First Language Platform here.

1 in 3 Australian children are unable to read at the level expected for their age.

At ALNF, we believe that strong literacy starts in the early years, setting children up with the vital foundations to thrive at school and beyond.

Oral language and early literacy skills are the vital multipliers that underpin access to education, social, economic and other life opportunities.

But what does literacy and language development look like in the early years?

And how does it help shape a child’s identity and life outcomes?

Above all, how do we ensure literacy and educational equity for all Australian children?

And why is it important that we embrace home languages alongside English in enriching children’s development?

Join ALNF Co-Founder Mary-Ruth Mendel and ALNF Director of Programs Eric Brace, together with Lili-Ann Kriegler on the “For Your Ears from the Early Years” Podcast, as they explore these critical questions and big challenges, offer practical insights, and discuss the role of ALNF’s Early Language & Literacy program in empowering communities with the essential tools to close the learning gap before school, so that every child is given the best start in life.

Listen now!

4 March 2024

ALNF is excited to announce that our ground-breaking Early Language & Literacy Development Index (ELLDI) has been selected as Winner at the 2023 World Summit Awards!

Representing Australian innovation and technology on the global stage, the ELLDI was selected out of 466 nominees from over 100 UN member states, winning in the category of “Learning & Education”.

The ELLDI is a world-first and highly accessible digital platform that assesses and nurtures the capabilities of children between 2 and 8 years, unlocking every child’s learning potential and contributing to systemic educational change – a testament to what’s possible when technology meets purpose.

Setting children up for educational success is critically linked to their access to meaningful learning and development opportunities in the early years. Yet, 1 in 5 Australian children start school developmentally vulnerable, with that figure jumping to 2 in 5 if they do not go to preschool. Children who start behind, often stay behind, with those from First Nations, remote regions, low socio-economic and other marginalised communities particularly vulnerable. This technology addresses crucial gaps in the early years space, empowers educators and community members with meaningful and evidence-informed insights and strategies to catch children before they fall behind, and promotes an education system that supports all children.

The award recognises ALNF’s innovative use of technology to help solve the critical literacy challenges currently facing Australia’s education system. ELLDI was chosen for being an example of a “digital impact solution and creative innovation [that can] decisively support societal challenges”. Receiving this international recognition is a win for placing early years’ education at the forefront of national efforts to address educational inequality in Australia, with the potential for this technology to impact education systems across the globe.

“ELLDI stands as a beacon of innovation, addressing the critical early learning gaps that affect our most vulnerable populations. By empowering educators, parents, and carers with evidence-based strategies and insights into children’s early language and literacy development, ELLDI not only aligns with the UN SDG of Quality Education but also advocates the right of every child to receive a fair educational start. Witnessing ELLDI’s journey from nomination to becoming a winner at the World Summit Awards fills me with immense pride. Their success is a testament to the potential of technology to endorse systemic change and underscores Australia’s leadership in tech innovation and education on the global stage. Congratulations to the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation for this well-deserved recognition; your work exemplifies the profound impact that purpose-driven innovation can have on society.” Sachi Wickramage, Board Director for WSA Global and National Expert for WSA Australia states.

This win marks the latest international award to recognise the impact of ALNF’s technology-based models for literacy and education. ALNF’s innovations have previously won at the prestigious Edison Awards, the MIT Solve Challenge, as well as being a previous winner at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Innovation Awards in Austin Texas, and the 2020 World Summit Awards in Vienna.