​2025 Penny Hutchens Memorial Fund Recipient – Grandcarers WA ​

Grandcarers WA is the recipient of the 2025 CBCA WA Penny Hutchens Memorial Fund. Grandcarers WA is a peer-led, not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting grandcarers, ie. grandparents who have taken on the exceptional responsibility of raising their grandchildren in their own home. Grandcarers WA provides information, practical support and a unique sense of belonging for grandcarers and their grandchildren.
In July, committee members Jenny Botje and Denise Robins presented books to the value of $1250, bought through the Penny Hutchens Memorial Fund, to Loryn Cummings, General Manager of Grandcarers WA. Added to the collection were a number of books donated by committee members.

Presentation of the books Jan Standen, Jan Kenyon, Jenny Botje, Loryn Cummings, Carolyn Sackville and Marion Campbell-Smith

These books, most of which are suited to children aged 12 years + will be a valuable addition to the establishment of a library. In her letter of thanks, Loryn said, “On behalf of everyone at Grandcarers WA, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks for the generous donation of books we recently received. We are truly honoured and absolutely thrilled to be the recipients of the 2025 Penny Hutchens Memorial Fund.
This donation will make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the grandchildren we raise. You have made a special effort to focus on our older children, as they often miss out, and with the rising cost of living, contributions like yours are more meaningful than ever.
Thanks to your generosity, a dream we have held for some time has now become a reality. We are setting up our very own little library. These beautiful books will be enjoyed not just by one child, but by many, offering joy, inspiration, and learning for years to come.
Your support has brought so much happiness to our community, and I can’t wait to see our little library in full swing. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness has touched us all and will continue to bring joy and knowledge to the children in our care.”

From left, Carolyn Sackville, Alan Hoffman, Jenny Botje, Loryn Cummings and Marion Smith at the Book Week Dinner

We were delighted that Loryn, together with President Alan Hoffman, Carolyn Sackville and Marion Campbell-Smith were able to join us at our annual Children's Book Week® Dinner this year.
​In the talk Alan and Loryn gave, they provided an insight into Grandcarers WA and how the donated books will bring joy into the lives of their grandchildren and grandcarers
CBCA WA is proud to be extending the availability of literature to children of varying ages by way of the Penny Hutchens Memorial Fund.