The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is delighted to announce the appointment of three new board members.

Author, artist, businesswoman and a proud Merlam and Erublam neur/woman Jillian Bowie, Chief Executive Officer of Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand Julie Burland and Merchandise Manager at Books Kinokuniya Helene Byfield commencing July 2024. 

“This talented trio brings a wealth of experience and expertise across publishing, bookselling and First Nations languages to our passionate and dedicated organisation,” said ILF Co-Chair Natalia Ahmat. 

“I have no doubt their insights and perspectives will prove invaluable as the ILF continues to grow and thrive, building on the positive work that saw the ILF recently receive global recognition, named as the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureates for 2024.” 

Ahmat thanked their outgoing Directors, Hachette Australia and New Zealand CEO Louise Stark and Language and Cultural advocate and Torres Strait Islander Leitha Assan, who are leaving the ILF Board after completing their terms.  

“It has been an incredible honour to serve alongside Louise and Leitha and I cannot thank them enough for their many contributions and tireless commitment to the ILF over the past six years.” 

Jillian Bowie is a Samsep and Zagareb woman from the islands of Erub and Mer in the Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait).  

Jillian delivers a wealth of experience in the employment and training sector, mentoring and coaching, and community project development. Jillian is a writer, poet, published author, small business owner, and influencer who uses her craft and creativity to inspire and empower First Nations people to thrive in their sphere of influence toward self-determination.  

Jillian currently works for First Languages Australia as a Senior Program Officer for their First Nations Languages Education Program team. 

“Literacy connects us. Literacy is communication through storytelling, where the passing on of knowledge is preserved in books that can speak into the ears and hearts of our people near and far,” said Bowie.  

“This is important for those of us who have been dispossessed of country, culture, language, and kin. No matter where we live, we remain connected to our stories, language, and people.” 

Bowie added that Literacy connects us to each other and to the wider community.  

“It is our voice; our truth telling. Some stories may be fictional, but they carry an element of truth from the author’s world through imaginative perceptions.” 

“When we captivate children through literacy we are planting seeds, nurtured to grow into trees that will bear fruit for others to eat, to keep the fire burning, and keep our voices strong.” 

Julie Burland joined Penguin Random House Australia in 2000 and has since held various roles in sales, business development, and publishing. She has served as the Director of Business Development and the Children’s Division, where she was responsible for overseeing publishing, sales, marketing, and publicity.  

Since 2015, Julie has been the Chief Executive Officer of Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand. In addition to her role at Penguin Random House, Julie is also the current President of the Australian Publishers Association (APA). 

“The long association between Penguin Random House and the ILF has been incredibly important to everyone at PRH and it has been an honour to see the vital work the ILF does firsthand,” said Burland.  

“We are fundamentally aligned with the ILF ethos of fostering culture, stories, language and literacy.”  

“Joining the Board felt like a natural step to explore how PRH and I can further support this important and worthy cause.”  

Burland highlighted that she is looking forward to learning from and contributing to the goals and focus of the ILF team. 

Helene Byfield is the Merchandise Manager at Books Kinokuniya where she has worked since starting as a part-time customer service representative while studying at university over 20 years ago.  

She believes that literacy and the ability to access a diverse range of titles are important not only for learning but also so that people can see themselves and their culture reflected in the materials they read.  

Helene loves sharing stories and believes that books provide a wonderful way to build empathy and create opportunity. She is keen to help readers find their next favourite book. 

“Books Kinokuniya has been a strong supporter of the ILF through promotion and fundraising for many years,” said Byfield.  

“Joining the ILF Board gives me the opportunity to personally provide more hands-on and direct support for their fantastic work.” 

“I am looking forward to working with the ILF board to provide support for their Book Supply and Community Publishing programs,” added Byfield.