Indigenous Literacy Foundation ambassador Andy Griffiths launched the 2025 Great Book Swap at the Australian Museum in Sydney on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of Indigenous literacy and access to culturally relevant books.
The Great Book Swap encourages participants to swap a book in exchange for a donation, promoting literacy while raising funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF).
The initiative supports access to culturally relevant books and Indigenous language resources in remote First Nations communities.
ILF chief executive officer and Wiradjuri man, Ben Bowen, underscored the significance of literacy access.
"The importance of access to quality books cannot be underestimated," Mr Bowen said.
"Reading is a skill that impacts all facets of our lives, and for First Nations Peoples, access to quality books is just as important.
"Having culturally relevant books in language is a fundamental human right and builds on intergenerational strength."
ILF lifetime ambassador, Andy Griffiths, emphasised the power of reading.
"Reading opens doors to new worlds, new experiences and new ideas. So don't be shy—share, swap or just grab a book today and discover a whole new world!," Griffiths said.
To mark the launch, Indigenous students from local Sydney primary schools took part in a Great Book Swap, followed by activities in the Museum's interactive Burra (eel) learning space.
Indigenous educators led sessions, including scat and animal matching with Gundungarra language.
Australian Museum director and chief executive officer, Kim McKay, highlighted the Museum's role in fostering storytelling and education.
"It was exciting to welcome young First Nations students to the AM, where they enjoyed the Burra play space and participated in all the fantastic activities that the ILF's Great Book Swap offers," Ms McKay said.
The 2025 campaign aims to raise $300,000 to provide 30,000 culturally relevant books to remote First Nations communities.
Schools, libraries, universities, book clubs, workplaces, and individuals can host a Great Book Swap at any time of the year.
Those who submit funds by 30 June 2025 will be eligible for the early bird prize, a book pack featuring ten ILF titles.
Schools submitting funds by 1 November 2025 will receive a virtual visit from ILF lifetime ambassador Andy Griffiths.
Participants will also be assigned an Aboriginal language house and gain access to online learning resources, including fact sheets, classroom activities, maps, and videos.
In addition to the Great Book Swap, ILF's Busking for Change, a musical fundraiser developed by ILF Ambassador Josh Pyke, returns for its third year.
This initiative engages primary students in song, music, movement, and language, culminating in a school performance on Indigenous Literacy Day on 3 September 2025.
Registrations for the 2025 Great Book Swap are now open.
