Meet our Committee

Liz Bowring

President

I strongly believe in the importance of our children experiencing our Australian identity through their reading. Being on the committee means I can help facilitate this by enhancing community knowledge of our writers and illustrators. 

Wendy Rapee

Vice President & NSW Board Director

Wendy Rapee ALIA, has a BA (Library Science, BA History/English/Sociology and a Cert IV in Computer Graphic Design. Her career in educational publishing (sales, marketing, editing, project management and design) has spanned over 30 years. Most recently Wendy was General Manager at PETAA and has performed CBCA roles as Merchandise Coordinator (both on the NSW National Executive and on the National Board), and as the NSW National Board Member. 

Gail Erskine

Past President

I am passionate about the rights of all children to access quality Literature, be inspired by authors and illustrators and informed by teacher-librarians. I have  been a member of CBCA NSW Branch since 1990.

Natalia Bragaru

Treasurer

Currently working for the Australia Council for the Arts I have a long-standing love of children’s books. I was motivated to re-join the committee in 2020 to continue to peruse and support my interest in children’s literature, the benefits of reading and illustrated children’s book.  I collect original children’s books illustrations by Australian and Russian contemporary illustrators and have also joined efforts with Imaducation Inc in order to expand their collection of books.

Sue Bates

Secretary

I have been an educator in Catholic Schools for 43 years. During that time, I have been a classroom teacher, Teacher-Librarian, Assistant Principal and Principal. For many years I supported the CBCA NSW Branch Southern Sub-branch which was very active and have wonderful memories of the children's events that we held. 

Toni Field OAM

Public Officer

The CBCA NSW Branch committee provides me with an avenue to enjoy my love of literature especially children’s literature and to have a small part in sharing it with others.

Laurel Reynolds

Committee Member

Due to a love of literature Laurel worked for many years as a Teacher Librarian and now enjoys sharing excellent books with preschool children. What fun!

Denise Cramsie

Committee Member

I was a Teacher-Librarian for 27 years before retiring in 2008. For most of that time, and ever since, I have been a member of the CBCA NSW Branch. I was a co-convenor of the Southern Suburbs Sub-Branch of the NSW Branch.  I was President of NSW Branch for three years and  a judge of the Picture Book Category for the Book of the Year Awards 2019. 

Jackie Hawkes

Committee Member

When I retired, I couldn't give up my interests in kids, learning and children's literature so I joined the CBCA NSW Branch committee. I currently coordinate KIDS' CORNER! and I love involving others in contributing ideas for kids (of all ages) related to reading, writing, thinking and encouraging happy reading!     

Terry Fahy

Committee Member

At the age of 3 I had decided to become a librarian - books and reading have always been my passion, as has the sharing of tales via storytelling.

Cathy Drury

Committee Member

I joined the committee as the CBCA is an organization that I really believe in and support in my role as a primary school Teacher Librarian. I wanted to be able to contribute my knowledge of what is currently happening in schools and so that the CBCA will continue to flourish and thrive.

Peter Macinnis

Committee Member

I am a writer who sometimes writes for children. Unlike  Martin Amis, who thought being brain-damaged would qualify him there, I know that writing for children is the hardest art. I felt it would help to have somebody on the committee who could say that without fear of contradiction. After all, I bested the Ninja Tooth Fairy, so I still have all my teeth, and I lend them out to good causes.  Nobody contradicts me twice.

Judith Radin

Committee Member

I’m a primary school educator passionate about children’s literacy. Since 2015 I’ve been running programs in schools enabling talented children to write and illustrate their own picture books.

CBCA is synonymous with creating awareness and seeking equity in access to quality children’s literature across Australia. I feel honoured to be able to participate in this vital work. 

Felicity Jagavkar

Business & Event Manager

I've been working with the CBCA NSW Branch for over 10 years and I love all that it encompasses. It's been amazing to see our conference go from a half-day event to two days in 2021. Yes, more on that soon...