Since 1945 The Children’s Book Council of Australia has been supporting Australian authors and illustrators of books for young people.

Over the years the books have changed a lot, but the passion for books has never abated. Run without support from government at any level, the CBCA Awards are one of the most anticipated events on the literary calendar and are presented in August.

Eight volunteer judges from each of the states and territories read the fiction titles – upwards of 390 titles each year; a small panel of judges from the state hosting the National Board administers the Eve Pownall Information Award; and another small panel from Victoria judges the national Crichton Award for New Illustrators.

The CBCA is an extraordinary grass-roots organisation, both in its longevity and its passionate supporters.

For more information: www.cbca.org.au