Mayor takes up reading cause

Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein is encouraging young families to take part in this year's Gosford City Reads program.

He said a number of activities had been organised by Gosford Council in local schools, preschools, parks and shopping centres across the local government area, including the Peninsula.

Cr Holstein said the community needed to take action to encourage literacy from a young age.

"A recent survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that close to 50 per cent of Australians had very poor literacy skills," Cr Holstein said.

"Literacy is an important issue that affects our entire community and increasingly the benefits of reading to children from a young age are being acknowledged."

Cr Holstein said Gosford council's Early Childhood Literacy Committee invited both adults and children to share in the joy of language through books, songs and rhymes by participating in this year's Gosford City Reads program.

The committee is encouraging libraries, community groups, schools, preschools, businesses, health and support services as well as individuals to participate in the "fun-filled celebration of literacy" from August 24 to 28, by designating time to read, sing or rhyme with babies and children.

As part of the council's calendar of events, students from Umina Public School will participate in a Safari of Language and Literacy Experiences Week with children from Umina Child Care Centre.

Peninsula Storytime in the Park will take place on August 25, and include a number of activities for young families at Lions Park in Woy Woy from 10am.

For further information or to register an event, visit council's website or phone Gosford City Library on 4304 7009 or 4304 7013.

Press release, 17 Aug 2009 Alison Hood, Gosford Council