Meet our Committee

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. 

President

Liz Bowring

I spent my career in children’s book publishing and have been a member of the CBCA NSW Branch since arriving in Australia in 1989. I was the 2010 winner of the Lady Cutler Award for services to children’s literature, and am particularly passionate about the CBCA’s advocacy role in increasing access for all children to books, improving the structure of the national organisation, plus in developing opportunities for authors and illustrators.

Vice President

Sarah Foster

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.

Past President

Gail Erskine

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. 

Secretary

Sue Bates

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.

Public Officer

Toni Field

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!

Committee Member

Laurel Reynolds

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. 

Committee Member

Denise Cramsie

Books open me up to the worlds of others.
Books make change. And people make books. So it makes sense to support organisations which, in turn, foster children's wild and beautiful imaginations (and reading in general), and support librarians, schools and storytellers.

Committee Member

Lucie Towers

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!     

Committee Member

Jackie Hawkes

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.

Committee Member

Terry Fahy

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.

Committee Member

Cathy Drury

*

Treasurer

Paula Zaki

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. 

Committee Member

Judith Radin

I've been working with the CBCA NSW Branch for almost 10 years and I love all that it encompasses. 

Business Manager

Felicity Jagavkar

*

NSW Board Director

Megan Lavender