Community & Business
4 April, 2026
What a 'GREAT Day' at The GIL Library Hub!
Gilgandra Reads Everything Around Town (GREAT) Day is a community celebration of reading and literacy.
Wednesday, March 28, was the second GREAT Day in The GIL Library Hub.
GREAT Day attendees were encouraged to wear red to show their support for reading as part of the Paint Gilgandra REaD initiative.
Many local businesses decorated their store windows in red to celebrate.
During the morning outside the GIL Library Hub, guest presenter, Mitch Tambo, entertained young students from the Gilgandra Preschool, Tooraweenah Preschool, Gilgandra Public, St Joseph’s and Tooraweenah Public Schools with entertaining performances of Aboriginal remixes of popular songs such as Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’, Lipps Inc.’s ‘Funky Town’, Junior Senior’s ‘Move Your Feet’ and the classic ‘Hokey Pokey’ along with a performance of an original song.
Mitch also read to students his book, ‘I Am Me’, teaching kids to be proud of who they are.
A proud First Nations artist, from Tamworth, Mitch’s energetic performances are in both English and Gamilaraay language, engaging the children in traditional storylines.
During the afternoon illustrator Matthew Lin taught older primary students how to draw in the Japanese manga style. He gave practical instructions featuring his tips and tricks of the drawing trade with all students copying along on their drawing pads. During the evening, Matthew hosted another drawing workshop session for youth and adults.
The GIL Library Hub manager, Liz McCutcheon said GREAT Day was again a success.
“We would like to thank all the children, teachers, families and carers who made GREAT Day 2026 a wonderful community celebration of reading,” she said.
“In the morning, Mitch Tambo delighted younger audiences with two lively Storytime sessions, sharing I AM ME and getting everyone dancing to his uplifting message: “Shine bright, play loud, be YOU!”
“In the afternoon, graphic designer and illustrator Matthew Lin led engaging manga drawing workshops for older children, guiding them step by step to create their own characters and explore the library’s manga collection. He also hosted a relaxed evening session for teens and adults, where his enthusiasm and encouragement were enjoyed by all.
“GREAT Day is part of Paint The Town REaD, a national literacy movement that began in Parkes with teachers Rhonda Brain and Sheree Rosser. Gilgandra Public School teachers Heather Thompson and Lyn Greenhalgh were inspired by the Parkes program to create Gilgandra Reads Everything Around Town Day, with the first GREAT Day being held in October 2005."
The goal of GREAT Day has always been to celebrate the joy of reading and encourage everyone to make a habit of reading to children right from birth.
“The benefits of shared reading time are huge. Reading and storytelling with babies and children promotes brain development, imagination, language and learning,” said Liz.
But shared reading is also a beautiful time to sit together and enjoy a special moment of bonding. Anytime is a good time for a book or a story!”
