Andrew Daddo gets Hunter Valley students reading

Popular television presenter and children's author Andrew Daddo is celebrating Children's Book Week with students in the Hunter Valley, with support from Coal & Allied.

Mr Daddo will share his books through drawings and performances with more 3500 students this week, during visits to Singleton, Greta and Rutherford.

The General Managers of Coal & Allied's Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth sites said they are pleased to support Mr Daddo's visit and hope it will encourage local children to read.

"Coal & Allied is committed to strengthening the communities in which we operate," said Hunter Valley Operations General Manager Operations Graham Gageler.

"By supporting Children's Book Week, we aim to promote the importance of reading in educating our students.

"Children's Book Week is a great motivation for students to re-discover the power of the written word and the hours of endless joy that a good book can bring."

Mount Thorley Warkworth General Manager Operations Cam Halfpenny said Coal & Allied supports initiatives to develop youth leadership and skills in the Hunter Valley.

"Coal & Allied is committed to supporting educational initiatives that deliver confident and capable children," Mr Halfpenny said.

"What they learn now will strengthen the Hunter Valley's capabilities and skills in the future, and help develop a more diverse and sustainable community."

Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth have each contributed $3500 to sponsor Mr Daddo's five-day visit.

Mr Daddo will be at Greta Public School tomorrow (Wednesday) with around 550 students from schools in Greta, Branxton and Gillieston.

Players from the Newcastle Knights will also join the Children's Book Week celebrations at the school tomorrow, thanks to Coal & Allied's Community Alliance with the club.

Children's Book Week is run by the Children's Book Council of Australia and is the nation's longest running children's festival celebrating its 65th birthday this year. Each year, hundreds of schools and public libraries from across Australia take part to celebrate books and Australian authors and illustrators.

Media enquiries: Matthew Klar, Coal & Allied, (07) 3029 1168 / 0457 525 578

Media release - Andrew Daddo gets Hunter Valley students reading [PDF: 39 KB]