About us
Passion and Commitment
Recent research found that one in three children in Australia struggles to read well (Grattan Institute, 2024). For these children, not being able to read well will not only affect their self-esteem; it will also impact their ability to seek further education and training, as well as secure future employment.
Reading Friends Australia provides a practical and effective solution. Since 2019, we have been working hard to improve children’s lives by improving their reading skills. We partner with primary schools across Australia, supporting them with trained volunteers to assist children with reading practice.
Together, we can make a difference.
Reading Friends Australia is a 100% volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as a Public Benevolent Institution with DGR1 status.
Meet the Team
Our Board
Luciana De Michiel, Chair
Luciana is the founder of Reading Friends Australia. She is a passionate educator with over thirty years of international experience in project management, communications, and human relations. For the past six years, she has worked extensively in primary schools in Australia, specialising in assisting children who have learning difficulties. Luciana is a trained counsellor and has completed a Master's in Humanities, and she is currently studying for a Master's of Teaching (Primary).
Amanda Jones, Director
Amanda is an accredited mental health social worker with over twenty-five years of dedicated service in public and private practice, working extensively with children and young adults. Amanda has been a Director on the Board of Reading Friends since 2023 where she is responsible for Children's Wellbeing.
Annette Newell, Director
Annette is a retired primary school teacher and Assistant Principal (Learning and Support) with over thirty years’ experience within the NSW Department of Education. Annette joined Reading Friends as a Reading Helper at the end of 2023 and became a School Coordinator for Moss Vale Public School, and a Director on the Board in 2024.
Fiona Pearce, Director
Fiona has more than twenty years’ experience in health policy, with a particular interest in health literacy. Fiona joined Reading Friends as Reading Helper and School Coordinator for Mittagong Public School in 2022 and became a Director on the Board in 2023. Since 2024, Fiona has been the Reading Friends Southern Highlands Branch Manager.
Frank Lawson, Director
Frank is a retired lawyer who was a partner in a major Sydney-based law firm for over thirty years. Frank was also a member of the Board of Governors of Frensham School from 2013 to 2018. Frank joined Reading Friends as a Reading Helper in 2023 and took on the role of School Coordinator and Director on the Board in 2024.
Marilea De Michiel, Secretary
Marilea brings to the organisation over forty years’ experience as executive assistant to the CEO of a major Sydney company. Marilea is a founding member of Reading Friends Australia.
Supporters
Kind words
