The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has revealed its newest ambassadors for 2025, recognising authors, artists, educators, and advocates for their positive contributions to Indigenous literacy across Australia.
Newly appointed Ambassadors include Gudjinburra-Bundjalung children's entertainer Lucas Proudfoot, Yawuru, Wadjarri, Pitjanjarra, and Wadjuk (Noongar) singer Tehya Makani, and Vietnamese-Australian author, comedian, and artist Anh Do, as Community Ambassadors.
Alongside them, Bundjalung and Mununjali journalist, Bronte Charles, and Wirangu artist and author, Mia Speed, have also joined as ILF Youth Ambassadors for 2026.
"The ILF's Ambassador program is pivotal to its engagement with key stakeholders and donor communities. Many of the publishing and literacy-based projects, as well as the major promotional campaigns we undertake, rely on the input and commitment of our Ambassadors, and we are incredibly grateful for that," said Wiradjuri man and ILF chief executive Ben Bowen.
"Our new Ambassadors bring incredible talent, experience, and dedication, and we welcome them on board."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Indigenous Literacy Foundation (@indigenousliteracyfoundation)
This year, the ILF expanded its ambassador program to include Community Ambassadors, led by inaugural representatives Tammy Abala and Shane Tipuamantamerri - co-founders of Mamanta, a 100 per cent First Nations-owned organisation supporting Indigenous businesses.
"Being an ILF Community Ambassador is a role descriptor of the efforts we do through Mamanta programs... One of my favourite things to do is to share ILF-made books with young women in the youth justice space," commented Ms Abala, who has Iwaidja/Murran, Tiwi, Kungarakan, Torres Strait and Australian/English heritage.
"I don't just read books to them - we talk about the how and why they are made and how the ILF opens doors through strengthening and celebrating First Nations knowledges, stories and values through literacy."
Mr Tipuamantamerri, a Tiwi and Anmatjerre man, commended the program for empowering young people through storytelling.
"Having grown up as a Community kid with little interest in reading or books, it gives me a great sense of pride and honour to now promote, share in and celebrate the good work and the ways in which the Indigenous Literacy Foundation positively impacts our Communities," he said.
Newer ambassadors also shared their excitement to positively influence the next generation through storytelling, reflecting their own childhood experiences.
"I grew up in a saltwater Community surrounded by storytellers, musicians, and singers... After school, I spent over a decade touring as a professional surfer and musician," said Mr Proudfoot.
"Hearing the laughs and stories from people all over the country continues to inspire everything I do today. I've always admired the incredible work ILF does in Community... I'm truly honoured to join ILF as an Ambassador."
Ms Makani emphasised that creative expression is vital in promoting cultural identity and belonging, and sees her ambassadorship as a tool to help young mob stay connected.
"Growing up, music has been a vessel for culture, identity, and connection... Every story, every experience, every thread of history I carry has been taught to me through the power of art and music," she said.
"I want to be an ILF Ambassador because I'm passionate about working with young people and helping them see the power in their own stories... Being an Ambassador allows me to keep inspiring the next generation to dream big, stay connected to culture, and believe that their voices are powerful."
Sharing his own journey with literacy, Mr Do says his love for storytelling and how it transformed his life is the motivational core of his ambassadorship.
"As a newly arrived kid from Vietnam, I had trouble with reading and writing... Those books slowly helped me to turn a fear of reading and writing into a love of words and stories. This fundamental change... is what has allowed me to be where I am today," he said.
ILF's Youth Ambassador program also welcomed new appointees for 2026, with Ms Speed and Ms Charles joining the line-up.
"I am passionate about sharing and preserving Aboriginal stories, language, and perspectives through creative expression," said Ms Speed, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Indigenous Knowledges and Society.
Ms Charles, currently working as a journalist across NITV and SBS, believes her ambassadorship is a continuation of her work championing First Nations storytelling for young people.
"Being a Youth Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a huge honour... Working with the ILF allows me to help amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and support access to culturally relevant books and resources... I feel incredibly privileged to play a small part in helping foster that love for reading and storytelling in our young ones."
Through its expanding ambassador program, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation continues to empower communities to tell their own stories in their own voices and inspire the next generation of storytellers.
