Years of Service
Since 1977
Volunteer Tutors
Trained Annually
Students
Supported Annually
Regions
Across WA
FREE Service
Always
Since 1977, Read Write Now has been helping Western Australians build confidence through literacy. These achievements reflect the dedication of our volunteers and the impact of the program, recognised through a range of awards and acknowledgements across the state.
We’re proud to share that Dave Chapman, a dedicated volunteer with Read Write Now, was named a finalist in the 2025 South West Volunteer of the Year Awards, hosted by Volunteer South West.
With 19 nominations this year, the awards reflect the strength of the South West’s volunteering community.
Congratulations also to winner CJ Aston (Tuart Forest Toy Library) and fellow finalist Kate Monaghan (IIOY Blue Leaf Initiative). All three embody generosity, skill, and community spirit.
After leaving school at 17, Darren worked in construction until a back injury prompted him to rethink his future. He enrolled in Community Services at NMTAFE, leading to work as a support worker and eventually university study. Needing help with computer and study skills, Darren found Read Write Now, where his tutor Sheree has supported him weekly since 2020.
Darren built skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and writing, then pursued his passion for counselling through university. His journey reflects a strong commitment to lifelong learning, supported by Sheree and the Read Write Now community. The scholarship will help Darren continue his studies and celebrate his success.
Congratulations to everyone involved, and thanks to Adult Learning Australia for supporting adult learners.
Back in 1977, when seven people attended a training course to become volunteer adult literacy tutors, no-one would have guessed that the state-wide program would go on to celebrate 45 years of service. It is estimated that the Read Write Now program, has assisted over 40 000 Western Australians over the years.
The epic milestone is thanks to the 650+ community-based volunteer tutors who offer one-on-one tutoring throughout WA. Volunteer tutors are integral to the Program, as they dedicate countless hours to provide tutoring and mentorship to adults with literacy needs, vulnerabilities and learning difficulties. However, it is not just the individuals seeking help who have benefitted – it is their families, their employers, and ultimately the whole community.
On International Literacy Day, Thursday 8 September 2022, it was time to celebrate the many volunteers and students, past and present, sponsors and supporters, for being part of the journey that has resulted in the very successful Read Write Now.
Thank you to everyone who made the Read Write Now 45th anniversary a memorable event!
Watch here some of the highlights and go to the Read Write Now Facebook page to see event photos.
“On behalf of the Department of Training and Workforce Development, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations for this significant milestone and the achievements that the program has accomplished during this time.” Karen Ho – Director-General DTWD
2021 Volunteering WA Awards
Read Write Now was nominated for the Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award. The winner of the category was Teach Learn Grow, who are committed to supporting disadvantaged children to improve their educational outcomes.
Volunteers are collaborators in community building, build capacity and help people, communities and organisations to reach their potential. A huge thank you to all Read Write Now volunteers who make such a difference to the lives of many.
Pictured below l to r, Robyn Knight (Coordinator, Operations), Marcia Barclay (Manager) and Michelina Vinci (A/Manager)
Australia Day Awards 2021
Rockingham Coordinator and tutor Karin Gulliver was awarded Community Citizen of the Year by the City of Rockingham.
Veronica Read, Armadale Coordinator, was awarded the Community (Senior) Citizen of the Year for her volunteer work in and around the Armadale region.
The Albany RWN group won the Active Citizenship group. This group has been assisting adults in their community for over 40 years.
Albany Coordinator Christine McConigley and tutor Sue Hyde accepting the 2021 Active Citizenship Award.
Neil Macdonald trained to be a Read Write Now tutor in July 2001 and since then has helped a vast number of adults in the Armadale area to improve their reading and writing skills. Neil, who has also been a Coordinator in the program, is pictured with current Coordinators Loraine Wood and Veronica Read. Neil’s commitment to changing lives through literacy has won him the Burt Award for Community Service. Local member for Burt, Matt Keogh said that the awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the “selfless individuals who give up their time to make our community a better place, to change the story for our neighbours and friends. This year the awards were especially unique as I had the opportunity to thank those who have gone above and beyond to support our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Congratulations and thank you Neil.
2019 Adult Learning Australia
Scholarship winner Greg Nelson
2019 City of Melville Mayor’s Award Libby Cook
Well deserved recognition” is how Coordinator Ann Bunting described the award presented to Libby Cook at the City Of Melville Volunteer Awards on Friday November 15. Libby has volunteered with Read Write Now since 2002. She has tutored a number of students, some who have had very difficult life experiences. Libby has shown that she can make students feel at ease and quickly give them confidence in their abilities. The epitome of the ‘quiet achiever’ Libby was reluctant to even be nominated for the award. Ann was there to congragulate Libby as was fellow Fremantle tutor Mairead McCoy.
2019 City of Nedlands community Citizen of the Year
– Jenny Tessler
2018 Peel Volunteer of the Year Sean Madden
2016 WA Volunteer of the Year – Hank Koster
2012 Western Australia Community Organisation of the Year Award
The Award recognises Western Australian volunteer organisations that provide innovative leadership and through best practice in volunteering, bring about positive and enduring change to their community.
Read Write Now Program Manager Marcia Barclay and Central Institute of Technology Managing Director Neil Fernandes pictured with His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC QC (former) Governor of Western Australia and the Honourable Robyn McSweeney MLC, (former) Minister for Volunteering.
