Committee Members - About Me
Nola Allen
Nola has worked in the library and education sectors in WA for over 40 years specialising in services for children and families, early literacy and reading promotion. Highlights include coordinating the State Library of WA's Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program, reviewing and writing, and consulting on community publishing projects. Nola is currently a judge on the Early Childhood panel for the 2024-2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards. |
Julie Muir - Ex-Officio
I’ve been a Teacher Librarian in schools all over WA and around the world in international schools since 1982. I’ve worked in early childhood, primary and secondary school libraries and live them all. I love being part of the CBCA team as we all have the same passion for children’s literature. Reading new YA fiction with the Book Discussion Group is a highlight for me every month. We have read so many wonderful books as a group and Grace Notes by Karen Comer was a heartwarming love story about two young people making sense of their world and my favourite CBCA shortlisted book for 2024. |
Wendy Rudge
I have an extensive experience in the emergency services and in educating adults. I am an emerging children's author and love being a part of the children's literature scene in WA. Being a part of the CBCA is important as it is helping to nuture and engage our next generation through the power of story telling. |
Sharon Coppin
My career has been in the library and information industry for many years across all four types of libraries; school, public, private and academia. I am interested in literacy for everyone, with a focus on early years literacy and I am currently studying a Masters of Teaching to become an early years teacher. I love being a member of the CBCA as I get to meet extraordinary creative people and the and the wonderful collaboration to promote Australian children's literature. |
Denise Robins
I have a background in education throughout the school, libraries and university sectors. Joining CBCA WA has brought many new friends into my circle and allowed me to use my skills to benefit the community. The Make Your Own Story Book Awards Ceremony is a fabulous event, where proud families, teachers and librarians join committee members to celebrate the successes of pre-primary to year 8 budding authors and illustrators. Coordinating the awards and ceremony with my team is the highlight of my year. |
Kelsey Gardner - Ex-Officio
I have a background in creative writing, theatre and librarianship. I thoroughly enjoyed my role as a children's librarian by sharing well-crafted inclusive stories and uplifting the WA creative talent. It was important for me to stay connected to children's literature while I embark on my Masters in Screen Arts. My goal whilst contriuting to the CBCA WA branch is to empower young people to follow their creative dreams, like I am, in order to build the next generation of WA artists. That is why I love the Make Your Own Story Book Competition. It was my primary school librarian that fostered my love for stories. I wish to be a part of that exchange for other children. |
Kris Williams - Branch President
For many years I have been involved with the writing sector, promoting not only the sector itself, but the many talented creatives in Western Australia. In doing so I have developed close ties with the literary community. I was on the Board of Writing WA for six years and am currently on the National Board of The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) and I am the current President of the CBCA WA Branch. I have been on the judging panels for several WA writing awards and continue to be encouraged by the talent of our possible future writers. |