Meet our Committee

Owner of the award-winning The Children's Bookshop and winner of numerous awards  such as a Quality Teacher Award, The Premiers English Scholarship,  the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award and the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children's literature and literacy in Australia,  Paul is a passionate proponent of the value of quality Australian books, and the role of CBCA.

Terry decided at the age of three that she was going to be a librarian. She has travelled that path from public libraries, special libraries and school libraries.. Her constant is the passion for reading and sharing the story far and wide, inspiring readers, authors and illustrators and converting the lost readers. CBCA is an important cornerstone in the literary journey for generations of kids and kids at heart, which makes it as relevant as ever for people to work on the committee and keep pushing forward. 

Sue is a former primary school teacher, teacher-librarian, assistant principal, and principal. Having been an educator for 43 years she is passionate about the educational benefits of children reading quality literature. She values the important role of the CBCA NSW Branch Inc. in supporting our talented Australian authors, illustrators, teacher-librarians and schools in connecting children and books.

Amy is a former English Teacher who works as a Children’s Librarian in a public library. As a lover of books and children’s literature. She is  passionate about promoting reading to all children and is excited to be working with the CBCA in advocating for good reading.

I’ve spent over a decade working in high school education, supporting students as a media teacher, screen language lecturer, and learning support aide. I’m passionate about helping young people find their voice and the CBCA’s commitment to engaging young readers aligns beautifully with my own belief in the importance of story in shaping confident, thoughtful learners.

After a lifetime career in children’s books, Sarah is now retired. She wants to devote time to ensuring children’s access to quality literature, and  that the educational benefits of reading for pleasure get the attention they deserve.

As a retired Teacher - librarian, Jackie loves coordinating ideas about language and stories from others with each new issue of  CBCA NSW Branch's KIDS' CORNER.

As a former teacher-librarian and book lover since childhood, Marion always enjoyed the pleasure of reading (and making displays and 'dressing up' for Children's Book Week©!)

She is passionate about the importance of reading for children and especially in promoting quality Australian children's literature.

CBCA plays an important part in supporting authors, illustrators, teachers and schools to maintain an Australian identity in literature for our younger generations.

After many years of benefiting as a teacher librarian from all that CBCA NSW does, Laurel feels privileged to be able to help on the committee for many years. Her involvement is driven by a passion to share the joy and riches of our exceptional Australian children’s literature with children and those who teach them.

Alison is an experienced Teacher Librarian and Primary School Teacher. She is passionate about promoting reading and spends her time planning new and exciting ways to entice students into the library. Alison takes advantage of the CBCA notable and shortlists to build a quality library collection. She engages with CBCA programs including Shadow Judging and Collide! CBCA’s Book Week is the highlight of her year.

As a retired Pooja Mathur is a Teacher Librarian (Inquiry Learning Leader) and Staff Wellbeing Committee member in Sydney. She is an advocate of Bibliotherapy, and strongly believes that school libraries are wellbeing hubs. Pooja is passionate about readers' advisory, and strives to place the right book in the right hands at the right time! CBCA programs, award lists, and website have been essential resources for her, and she is honoured and privileged to be a member of CBCA NSW committee for 2025-26. - librarian, Jackie loves coordinating ideas about language and stories from others with each new issue of  CBCA NSW Branch's KIDS' CORNER.

Diane is a retired Infants and Primary teacher. She was raised by a mother who always had a book in her hand and developed a love of reading from her. She is passionate about the need for good literature being available to all children, for their pleasure and an understanding of the origins of our Western Democracy. 

CBCA NSW

After many years of benefiting as a teacher librarian 

As a former teacher-librarian