Meet our Committee

Kerry is a writer, musician, podcaster and retired teacher librarian. Engaging children in reading and helping them understand the world through quality literature has been a driving force throughout her career. Kerry has lived and taught around the world for over 30 years, and witnessed the universal joy children experience when given access to a diverse range of high-quality literature and the positive impact it has on their engagement with reading, literacy, and learning. Kerry was President of CBCANSW Branch Inc. Hunter Region for three years before taking on the role of CBCANSW Branch Inc President. 

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. 

Amy is a Children’s Librarian based in Northern New South Wales, with a strong commitment to promoting literacy and the power of storytelling in regional communities. She is passionate about supporting early literacy development, working closely with parents to implement effective strategies, and collaborating with schools to foster a lifelong love of reading.

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.

I am a retired high school teacher librarian who lives in the Lower Blue Mountains with my fur babies. My hobbies include travelling to new places, knitting, quilting, films, politics and reading.

I believe that stories are essential for children’s emotional growth and for the development of empathy. "In a world where you can be anything, be kind." Dressing up for Book Week each year has always been one of my simple pleasures… I love the looks of surprise and happiness in celebrating Australian children’s books with others.

I currently serve on the 2026 CBCA NSW Branch Committee and Membership Committee whilst occasionally assist with our Kids’ Corner publication.

Laurel brings more than 20 years’ experience as a Teacher Librarian, in the State and Independent systems, inspiring children from Pre-school to Year 6 to love reading.

After many years taking part in events and activities run by the CBA NSW, she decided to become a committee member and is currently editor of the CBCANSW online newsletters iRead and What's On. Laurel feels  CBCA is a brilliant place to find exceptional professional development and celebrate Australian children's literature. 

Alison has been an educator since 1996, teaching students from Kindergarten to Year 6 in both public and independent schools. She developed a strong foundation in educational leadership while nurturing a passion for children's literature and literacy. She is a strong advocate for creating a welcoming and safe library environment where every student can find books that spark their curiosity, imagination and enjoyment of reading. As a committee member of the Children's Book Council of Australia NSW Branch and K.O.A.L.A. (Kids Own Australian Literature Awards), Alison is committed to promoting Australian children's literature and encouraging young people to become lifelong readers.

Jackie is convinced that learning is an excellent adventure and that words are full of surprises. Since retiring as a high school teacher librarian, she has been very involved with the CBCA and coordinates KIDS’ CORNER, a newsletter for kids based on aspects of Australian Children's Literature. KC encourage kids of all ages to read, write, think, imagine and create. Jackie love stories – in books and in the incidents that make up everyday lives. 

Pooja Mathur is a Teacher Librarian (Inquiry Learning Leader) and Staff Wellbeing Committee member at a private girls' school 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 2026-27.

Diane gained her love of reading from her Mum who would take her into the city to borrow books from a library.  Diane passed her love of reading on to her nine children. She became an Infants teacher as a mature age student after her children started school. Her interest in literacy led to post graduate studies in Literacy Education, and a Master’s Degree with focussing on Early Learning. She was an Assistant Principal and Principal in Catholic Education but has been retired for a number of years. Diane joined CBCA to support literacy and reading in schools.