The Indigenous Literacy Project (ILP) has received a $65,000 donation from the NSW Bar Association. The literacy project is a partnership between Australian Book Industry and The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Peter Tomasetti SC, making the donation to ILP on behalf of the association, said: “We believe that literacy is one of the fundamental building blocks to advancement in life. It is fundamental to the work we do and we felt that a donation to the Indigenous Literacy Project would ensure that some of the most disadvantaged people in Australia would be able to enjoy some of the benefits that come with literacy.”

David Gaunt, chairman of the ILP said: “This generous donation, together with funds raised this year, means that we will be able to dramatically expand our coverage to additional remote communities in 2008. Nearly 20 communities in remote Northern Territory, Warburton in Western Australia and six communities in NSW will benefit.”

The donation ceremony on Tuesday 11 December coincided with a mentoring day run by the NSW Bar. The Bar initiative for Indigenous law students aims to encourage the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the legal profession.