First Friday, our monthly conversation with an industry professional, is a chance for our community to learn more about the writing and publishing industry. This April, we invite you to our online event with Ben Bowen, CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a not-for-profit charity which respects the unique place of Australia’s First People and draws on the expertise of the Australian book industry. ILF is dedicated to lifting literacy levels in remote Indigenous communities, so all children across Australia have the same choices and opportunities. CEO, Ben Bowen joins us to discuss the importance of literacy and the work of ILF.

This event starts online at 12:30pm, via Zoom, and will run for 60 minutes. If there is time, we will take audience questions at the end. Free and open to members and non-members, but RSVPs are essential.

Registered attendees will receive a link to access this event online immediately prior to the event start time on Friday 1 April.

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BEN BOWEN, INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION CEO

Ben is a proud Aboriginal man of the Wiradjuri Nation with family links to the Gandangara, Dharrawal and Yuin Nations. He was born and raised on the Gadigal and Wangal lands of the Sydney basin.

Ben has worked nationally and internationally, collaborating with both Indigenous Communities and government to create opportunities in education, health and economic development. He has extensive experience in systems leadership and strategy.

Ben has worked for and with First Nations people in the not-for-profit sector, building programs, developing strategy, sourcing funding, collaborating with partners and shaping thought leadership within the university sector.