Laurie Copping Award Recipients

2021 - Rachael Hind

Rachael Hind is a professional teacher librarian who for many years has taught across several schools in the ACT. She quietly and ardently promotes the love of children’s literature to students, colleagues and the wider ACT community in many ways. She has been a committed volunteer, participant and attendee at local CBCA ACT Branch activities including such events as “And the winner could be…” and “Clayton’s Night”. She was a judge for the Make Your Own Story Book Competition. She was one of the CBCA National Nan Chauncy Award judges for 2019. She was the CBCA Book Week Visiting Author/Illustrator coordinator for the ACT Branch for 5 years. She has also held positions at ALIA and CPTLA (Catholic Primary Teacher Librarian Association). Her work has encouraged children to discuss and share their reading and to broaden their individual experiences. She actively involves her students in debates and forums, book discussion groups and planning CBCA Book Week activities. She has promoted children’s literature inviting a diverse range of authors and illustrators to visit her schools and the larger ACT school community. She has passionately shared her love of children’s books, supporting children to engage in libraries and reading. Most recently Rachael initiated and coordinated the inaugural ACT Branch 2020 Reader’s Cup, transferring the activity to an online event due to COVID-19 restrictions.  She diligently worked for two years to plan and manage the activity, ensuring its on-going success. For her significant and sustained contribution to the CBCA ACT Branch and their objectives and activities, we are honoured to present Rachael with this award.

2019 - Stephanie Owen Reeder

As a long standing member of the CBCA ACT Branch, Stephanie Owen Reeder is passionate about spreading the word about quality literature for Australian children through her work and actions.  Her award winning Heritage Heroes books combine storytelling with historical information and reflect her abiding love of books, history and art. Stephanie has a passion for bringing Australian history to life for young readers.  She is a strong supporter of the local author and illustrator scene and is regularly involved in events, participating in book launches and professional development sessions. She attends interstate children’s literature events, giving talks and visiting schools. Stephanie takes part in the ACT CBCA Branch outreach program by speaking with children in schools in nearby regions, as well as to parents and children in Early Childhood Centres and Playgroups. She contributes significantly to the creation of teaching notes for the National Library and writes reviews of Australian children’s literature for The Canberra Times. She recently contributed to the Story Time Exhibition for the NLA by creating the companion book Story Time Stars. For her significant and sustained contribution to the ACT in the field of Children’s Literature we are honoured to present Stephanie with this award.

2017 - Tania McCartney

Tania McCartney is a very worthy recipient of the Laurie Copping Award. She is passionate, gracious and articulate about the importance of books for children. Since 2008, when her four self-published books about Riley gained popularity, mainstream publishers began to recognise her talent. In 2009 Tania created Kids’ Book Review which includes reviews, interviews, profiles of organisations and literary places worldwide and advice to emerging creators. She was an ACT Ambassador for the National Year of Reading in 2012, gives local and national radio interviews about children’s literature and contributes to a range of print and online publications. Tania brings literature to children in the ACT by visiting schools as an Ambassador of the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge and is a regular speaker at the ACT Children’s Seminar in Book Week. The many projects that she initiates and takes part in are richer for her involvement, particularly her continuing commitment to giving her time to encourage other book creators. For her significant and sustained contribution to the ACT in the field of Children’s Literature we are honoured to present Tania with this award.

2015 - Rosemary Thomas

Rosemary Thomas is a very worthy recipient of the Laurie Copping Award. Since graduating from Teacher’s College in the 1970’s she has been a member of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, both in Victoria and the ACT. She is passionate about the importance of reading to children and is a positive and visible role model who reads voraciously. She is diligent and reliable and participates in all aspects of the ACT Branch. Most recently Rosemary has been a Fiction Judge, an Awards Co-ordinator and an energetic member of the 2014 Conference Committee. Rosemary promotes the CBCA wherever she can and has been responsible for attracting new members to our Branch. For her significant and sustained contribution to the ACT in the field of Children’s Literature we are honoured to present this award to you.

Life Member Award Recipients

These awardees preceded the Laurie Copping Award and include the Lu Rees Award for Outstanding Service to children’s literature in the ACT.

2011 - Mollie Bialkowski

CBCA ACT president Leanne Barrett presents Mollie Bialkowski (on left) with her award.

2006 - Lynne Babbage

Belle Alderman AM, also given the Lu Rees certificate for outstanding service to children’s literature.

Received the Nan Chaucey Award in 2000. 

A member of the ACT Branch of the CBCA from 1974 and a keen academic at the then Canberra College of Advanced Education (now University of Canberra)

2006 - Julie Long OAM

CBCA ACT president Leanne Barrett presents Julie Long OAM (on left) with her award.

Pre 1995 - Belle Alderman AM

Belle Alderman AM, also given the Lu Rees certificate for outstanding service to children’s literature.

Received the Nan Chaucey Award in 2000. 

A member of the ACT Branch of the CBCA from 1974 and a keen academic at the then Canberra College of Advanced Education (now University of Canberra)

Pre 1995 - Lu Reeves

Lu Rees started the Lu Rees archives now the National Centre for Children’s Literature.

Link to http://cbcatas.blogspot.com/2015/03/part-2-about-lu-rees-archives.html

Pre 1995 - Laurie Copping OAM

Laurie Copping OAM (on right) was National President 1985-1986.

Nan Chauncy Award in 1993.

Received the Lu Rees certificate for outstanding service to children’s literature.

Pre 1995 - Kath McDonald

Pre 1995 - Jill Gamble

Pre 1995 - Eleanor Stodart

1940-2004

Pre 1995 - John Tyrrel

National President 1973-1974.

Pre 1995 - Winsome Plumb

Lu Rees certificate for outstanding service to children’s literature.

Pre 1995 - Leanne Ford

Lu Rees certificate for outstanding service to children’s literature.