Reading is an essential aspect of learning, so it was no surprise that students at St Barbara’s Parish School were excited to receive their new library books, funded by a community grant from Ventia.  

The school received 200 brand new books for their library through Dymocks Children’s Charities’ Library Regeneration Program, with the school selecting books from a carefully curated catalogue of quality titles to ensure they receive the books most suitable for the needs of their students and their curriculum.

Ventia’s Tracy Reynolds (centre) met with students to see some of the new books purchased by the school.

Zoe Nelson-Carey, Corporate Partnerships Development Manager for Dymocks Children’s Charities said their goal is to promote a love of reading and improve literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children across Australia.

“We believe all children should have access to good books, regardless of their circumstances. Literacy levels in Australia remain of concern, particularly amongst the most vulnerable groups in society.”

Thanks to Ventia's support, we have been able to deliver more than 800 brand-new books to disadvantaged children across 6 schools with our Library Regeneration Programs

The books purchased by the school were especially chosen to educate students on diversity and inclusion, First Nations culture and environmental sustainability.

Tracy Reynolds, Ventia’s Project Director for Defence Base Services was given a tour of the library by school captains Claire, Lily and Maria and shown some of the books funded by Ventia’s community grant.

“It was wonderful to see a very practical example of Ventia’s mission to make infrastructure work for communities,” said Tracy.

One of the school captains reading to a younger student.

Ventia’s 2025 Community Grants program opens for applications from 1 June – 31 July. The program offers grants up to $2,000 to help community groups make a positive difference.

For more information, visit our community grants page.

 

Learn more about our community grants