
Committee Members
Meet our Committee
Meet the CBCA NSW Branch Committee. A dedicated team of volunteers who generously give their time to accomplish our mission which is to achieve positive social impact by engaging the community with literature for young Australians.
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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.
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.
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!
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.