Awards…

Hi, I’m Celeste. The youngest ever volunteer at the NCACL. I loved the NCACL from the moment when, at the age of 8, I met Leigh Hobbs at an NCACL function. Here was the creator of Mr. Chicken, Horrible Harriet, Old Tom and other book buddies. Magical!

So, obviously, when an opportunity arose to complete my Duke of Edinburgh service components for my Bronze, and now Silver, awards, I dove right in.

I am so grateful for the generosity and kindness shown to me by Dr Belle Alderman AM, Emeritus Professor of Children’s Literature, Max Brown, Ruth Nitschke, Rose Howes and Lynn Fletcher OAM. Their guidance continues to be invaluable and appreciated. I have particularly enjoyed assisting Rose and Lynn with the graphic novels bibliography.

The most memorable task that I assisted in was preparing for the presentation of life membership awards to the NCACL’s inaugural life members, Bob Graham and Rose Howes.

The Board’s criteria were that a nominee has:
• a length of service to NCACL of 10 years or more
• an attitude reflecting a dedication to NCACL values
• provided leadership and/or been an outstanding role model to others
• continued to be an active advocate of the NCACL.

As indicated in his award citation, Bob Graham demonstrated significant, sustained, and high-quality service enhancing the reputation and vision of the NCACL through his:
• close engagement with, and generosity to, NCACL over many decades
• sustained friendship reflecting a passionate dedication to the values of the NCACL
• exemplary advocacy is reflected in his making his body of work available for research with the NCACL
• making his significant body of work available to researchers ensuring that his creative processes have been captured for future generations.

As indicated in her award citation, Rose demonstrated significant, sustained, and high-quality service enhancing the reputation and vision of the NCACL through her:
• service of over 30 years to the NCACL (including its original iteration of the Lu Rees Archives);
• attitude reflecting a dedication to the values of the NCACL;
• leadership (especially over local, national and international 24/7 access to the NCACL’s collection records through its catalogue)
• ongoing active advocacy of the NCACL through access to its collection.

Once I understood the importance of the inaugural awards and impressive contributions of the recipients, the NCACL Secretary and I visited the wonderful Mawson TrophyLink shop and selected a stunning trophy – the (pictured) clear glass construction elegantly topped with a blue and green disc. This arrived at the house of the Secretary successfully and was safely transported to the ceremony.

I was delighted to have been included in such a momentous activity. I enjoyed learning about the important contributions of the recipients to the Centre and wider community. Being involved in all parts of the trophy choosing, customising and ordering gave me a greater understanding of the types of administrative work, and the deadlines, involved in bringing just one element of a special occasion to life.

The key lesson I learned is that anyone who loves Australian children’s literature can advocate for the NCACL’s important mission. Even young volunteers like me can assist in the mission, whether in person or remotely.

Celeste Alderson-Fletcher has been a teenaged volunteer for the NCACL through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program since 2023. She enjoys all things literary and verbal and hopes to inspire that same enjoyment in others.

 

See also:
Bob Graham art holdings at NCACL
Bob Graham’s blog The Longevity of Sticky Tape
Bob Graham’s catalogue entries
Bob Graham’s finding aid
NCACL catalogue which has been worked on for over 30 years by Rose Howes

Posted by: NCACL | Published: 27 Jul 2024