Storytime in the park
More than 100 young parents took part in Storytime in the Park on August 25.
The event celebrated Gosford City Reads Week and was organised by the Peninsula Start Reading Project.
"More than 130 children under six years picked up their reading passport and Start Reading Badge and headed off for storytime adventures at eight different reading stations," said organiser Ms Debbie Notara from the Beachside Family Centre.
She said 104 parents and carers read to babies and young children in windy weather on the day.
Two elders from Mingaletta Aboriginal Corporation read indigenous stories to children at the event while members of the Spanish community sang songs and taught Spanish words to the families who attended.
"There were tents, campfires, rhymes, actions, songs and a host of wild animals to keep children enthused about the various stories," Ms Notara said.
"At the end of the event, free books and book vouchers were awarded to the many smiling children who had obviously had a ball.
"It's great to see that the Peninsula has so many parents and carers who know how important it is to read to young children."
Ms Notara said the Sit Together And Read for Ten minutes a day (START) Reading Project was made up of community members and workers from local welfare organisations.
Anyone interested in supporting the Peninsula Start Reading Project can contact Debbie Notara on 4343 1929.
Press release, 15 Aug 2009
Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre