About us

The Children's Book Council of Australia Limited (CBCA) is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and is registered as a charity with the ACNC. We engage the community with quality literature. The CBCA present our annual Children’s Book of the Year Awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contributions to Australian children’s literature.

Established in 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia was founded at a time when Australian children’s books were few, and Australian authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. In 1946, the CBCA established annual book awards to promote books of high literary and artistic quality. These awards are now the most influential and highly respected in Australia.

Each year, across Australia, the CBCA also brings children and books together by celebrating Children’s Book Week. Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s literary space to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults.

Our purpose is to enrich the lives of young people through Australian stories. Our vision is a thriving creative world embracing the transformational power of stories across generations. Our mission is to connect, communicate, celebrate and advocate for the value of stories. We endorse values of equity, quality, integrity, diversity and respect.

The CBCA’s Members are our state and territory branches. The branches work to promote literature and literacy in their state or territory.

The CBCA is governed by a national Board which meets monthly via Zoom, as well as subcommittees of the Board with delegated responsibilities. Member Directors are nominated by their state/territory branches, and two Independent Directors are appointed by the Board.

The CBCA is the corporate trustee of the CBCA Awards Foundation, which is managed by a committee of responsible persons appointed by the CBCA’s Board.

We are a volunteer run-organisation with a national office, which currently employs two staff.

Position description

• Lead and assist on best practice in governance, including Trusts and Foundations, risk management and compliance.
• Undertake the role of Company Secretary for CBCA.
• Oversee and assist in legislative and licensing compliance and legal responsibilities in relation to being a not-for-profit organisation.
• Promote and act as a 'sounding board’ on standards of ethical and corporate behaviour and who balances the interests of the Board with stakeholders.
• Attend the monthly teleconferenced Board meeting and convene regular Governance Subcommittee meetings.

Skills

• Not-for-profit legal knowledge/experience
• Clear communication skills
• Stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of the literary industry in Australia (desired)

Please direct any queries to Wendy Rapee (Board Chair) 0405 107 860.