Hayley Lawrence, Children's Book Author

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-107383

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Hayley Lawrence, Children's Book Author

Debate resumed from 22 August 2019.

Mr DAVID HARRIS (Wyong) (10:27:10):

I resume my contribution to debate on this very important motion brought by the member for Port Macquarie on Children's Book Week and the work of Hayley Lawrence, a local author.

Mr Geoff Provest:

Any pirate books?

Mr DAVID HARRIS:Sorry DaySorry Day,

I'll get to the pirates; don't worry about that. Previously I mentioned the importance of the Children's Book Council of Australia and the awards. I talked a little about Hayley's book and about Children's Book Week in schools. I will talk a little bit about—and I know the member for Port Macquarie would certainly appreciate this—the winner of the Eve Pownall Award. Entries in this category should be books that have a prime intention of documenting factual material, with consideration given to imaginative presentation, interpretation and variation of style. This year's winner of that category was a book called by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler. A review of written by Dani Solomon, states:

Sorry Day is told in alternating timelines. In the modern day, Maggie is in a busy crowd with her mother watching a man apologise for the actions of a country and government. In the past, several Indigenous children play and then hide from the white men who have come to remove them from their families.

The stories begin in parallel: Maggie is happy and safe with her mother; the children are playing in the dust, safe in the knowledge that their mothers are at a nearby fire. But their stories diverge when Maggie is briefly separated from her mum only to be quickly reunited and given reassuring cuddles. The children are not so lucky. The story does not delve into what happens to the children next and it doesn't need to. Sorry Day ends with hope, though I got goosebumps reading the last page. This is a gentle and important book, and a great way to start conversations with kids aged 5+ about our nation's past. This is a great example of literature that is written in the right way for young people teaching very important lessons.

Once again I acknowledge the member for Port Macquarie for bringing this motion before the House. As parliamentarians we should acknowledge as much as we can the importance of literature and reading and the messages in children's books that often are written in a simple way for children. When I was a primary school principal I often marvelled at the sometimes complex issues that could be explained through pictures and a few words. Pictures can assist in the understanding of very important issues. Once again I thank the member for Port Macquarie and I support the motion.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (10:30:20):Inside the Tiger

I thank the member for Port Macquarie for moving this motion in the House today. I listened to the speech of the member for Wyong, who is a former school principal and teacher. This motion recognises a Port Macquarie‑based author. I holiday every year at Port Macquarie; it is a beautiful place. I regularly visit Wauchope too, particularly Timbertown, which is in the electorate of the member for Oxley. The motion recognises Port Macquarie‑based author Hayley Lawrence's novel being listed on the Children's Book Council of Australia notable books for 2019 and congratulates Hayley Lawrence on being one of two debut novelists acknowledged on the 2019 list of notable children's books.

Mrs Melinda Pavey:

Have you read it to your son?

Mr MARK COURE:The Very Hungry CaterpillarPig the PugThe Magic PuddingThe Magic Pudding

I have not read it to my son but over the years I have read many books to my son. I will also be reading to another son, who was born five weeks ago. I read to my first son , which I read as a kid. I also read and . I am sure those opposite have read many times because they think there is a big magic pudding out there when it comes to budgets and expenditure.

Mr David Harris:

It is called public assets.

Mr MARK COURE:The Magic PuddingThe Bad GuysCat in the HatPossum Magic

Is it? I am sure those on the other side have read it many times. I have read once or twice. My favourite books are series and Dr Seuss's . I am sure all members in this Chamber are familiar with the Dr Seuss books. Mem Fox's is not a favourite of mine but I am sure it is a favourite of other members. Sorry, I am being honest; it is Thursday.

Mrs Melinda Pavey:

He is honest on Thursdays.

Mr MARK COURE:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Just don't talk to me on Tuesdays. by Roald Dahl was—

Mrs Melinda Pavey:

An Englishman.

Mr MARK COURE:My Place

—one of the many novels that I have read over the years. The Minister is right that he was an Englishman. He died in 1990. I am very familiar with his books. I remember a book I had as a kid that my mother gave me when I was about 10. by Nadia Wheatley is a very good picture book about the changing face of Australia, from the first settlers to modern times. I still have it today because I have repurchased it and given it to my son, James. I thank the member for Port Macquarie for moving this motion in the House. I wish I had more time to talk about some of the amazing books that I have read over the past 41 years.

Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal) (10:34:22):The LoraxHMS Ulysses

I too acknowledge the motion brought before the House by the member for Port Macquarie. As someone who was involved in the book printing industry for many years before being elected to this place, I know exactly what an important role books play in the lives of young people. The member for Oatley said that he is not a great fan of Mem Fox. Everybody has their favourite books. He mentioned Dr Seuss. I think was one of my favourite books as a small child growing up. It is a really good book. Reading allows children to escape and to create a story in their mind. The member for Oatley talked about a book that was handed to him by his mother, which he has handed on to his son. My father handed down a copy of by Alistair MacLean. I think that was one of the first books I had a desire to re‑read many times because it is such a great story.

As I said, I worked in the printing industry for 23 years so I know that books are a wonderful, tactile experience for young children. Kids can play and have fun with a book. In this day of digital technology with iPads, Kindles and other such tools, it is great to see the look on a young child's face when they get their first book. They can play with it, throw it around or do what they want with it. That is the joy of having a book. Books have gone from strength to strength. Times have changed and technology has advanced but kids still love the tactile nature of books.

The member for Port Macquarie has recognised Hayley Lawrence and her debut novel. That is a great credit to Hayley because being a successful and published author is a very difficult task. I have seen many authors who struggle at the beginning of their passion and drive to create good literature but then get across the line after people recognise how good their books are. There was a budding author who took her book to every major publisher in the United Kingdom. It was knocked back by all the publishers because they did not connect with the story. Then one publisher took a punt and published the author's first book. That author was J. K. Rowling. She had been knocked back by every single publisher in the UK but then someone took a risk on her and the rest is history.

There are wonderful authors in Australia creating wonderful children's stories. I talk about authors like Mem Fox and many others. It is great to see Hayley Lawrence joining that cohort of authors who bring the fun, joy and creativity of children's books to Australian children. I thank the member for Port Macquarie for moving this motion, which acknowledges the success of Hayley Lawrence. I also pass on my congratulations to Hayley. She should be congratulated for her wonderful creation; it is no mean feat. I hope all creative authors keep bringing joy and excitement to young people across New South Wales.

Mrs LESLIE WILLIAMS (Port Macquarie) (10:37:58):Inside the TigerInside the TigerRuby Tuesday

In reply: I thank the member for Wyong for his contribution, which commenced in the last sitting period. I also thank the member for Oatley and the member for Terrigal. I was excited to have the opportunity to acknowledge the work of Hayley Lawrence. The award‑winning novel has received many accolades. It is described on the Penguin website as "A powerful first novel dealing with life, loss and the redemptive power of love". This multi award‑winning literary book was shortlisted for the Australian/Vogel's Literary Prize in 2017. Hayley won two fellowships from the Varuna writers' centre. As noted in my motion, was listed on the Children's Book Council of Australia notable books for 2019 and was long‑listed for the Sisters-in-Crime Davitt Award in 2019. I noticed on Haley's website that she is working on another novel, which I look forward to reading, called . It has already received notoriety with a mentorship residency through the Byron Writers Festival.

The member for Wyong and I started this discussion during Book Week, which was held in mid‑August. The theme of Book Week this year was "Reading is My Secret Power". All members would have seen communities come alive at our local libraries, preschool and childcare centres with young people dressing up as their favourite characters, such as Superman, Superwoman and the like. I thank parents, carers and teachers, who are so instrumental in making sure that we encourage and inspire our young people to pick up books, to be enthralled by stories and to be captured by images and stories that take them into another world.

Ruby TuesdayInside the Tiger

Book Week celebrates authors but it also celebrates the incredibly creative illustrators. In some of the books that members have referred to today, the illustrations are just as important as the words on the page. We all know the significant impacts that books have on children and young adults. It is critical that we share those stories and that we read often to young children and continue to keep them inspired to pick up books. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Hayley on her efforts. She has worked really hard on her first novel. As I have said, I look forward to reading her second novel, , which will be published soon. Given the accolades she has already received for her novel , I have no doubt that there will be more books to come. She is a credit to her love of reading and writing. Once again I commend her for her work and I thank her for continuing the opportunity for young people to be involved in reading and to be inspired by books.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Greg Piper):

The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Motion agreed to.