This year's theme is "Read Your Way" — because reading should be all about finding stories you love and enjoying them your way! Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming tale, or a laugh-out-loud comedy, every story has the power to spark joy.
To celebrate, our Dymocks Children's Charities team is sharing the books we're currently reading! We'd love to know what you're reading too — tag us in a photo of your current read or let us know in the comments!
We were thrilled to celebrate with our community and shine a spotlight on literacy's life-changing impact on children in need across Australia.
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, we raised $370,000—funds will directly support our mission to provide brand-new books to children who need them most.
And, of course, it wouldn't be the Great Debate without a little spirited competition! This year's topic—"Audiobooks Don't Count as Reading"—brought the house down as our debaters battled it out with humour and heart. With your help, we crowned the winning team: the Affirmative!
A huge thank you to our brilliant debaters: Mark Sutton, Osher Günsberg, Peter FitzSimons, and Zoë Norton Lodge, led by our amazing Team Captains; Adam Spencer and R.A. Spratt. Their quick wit and passionate arguments lit up the stage.
A heartfelt thank you to our special guest, Hani Zahra, Principal of Blaxcell Street Public School, who shared a moving reflection on the impact of our programs in his school. And to our excellent MC, Kylie Gillies—thank you for bringing warmth, humour, and heart to the evening.
Together, we're making a meaningful difference in the lives and literacy of Australia's most vulnerable communities. We're already looking forward to the 20th Annual Great Debate Gala—and we hope to see you there!
Schools across the country are signing up for the Library Boost Project to raise money for brand-new books and improve their libraries or fundraise for a school in need. The program makes it easy for schools to get involved, whether through a full Read-a-thon or a one-day event.
Orla from Nemingha Public School shared why it matters: "I love reading and I would like to see more new books in all school libraries."
With support from Dymocks Children's Charities, schools and organisations can make a real difference for young readers. Sign up here today to give your library a boost!
Get ready for an epic battle of words as our fearless debaters take the stage to tackle the hot topic:
"Audiobooks don't count as reading!"
Whether you're #TeamRead or #TeamListen, it will be a night full of passion, wit, and plenty of fiery opinions!
Hosted by the fabulous Kylie Gillies. The debate will be led by the razor-sharp Adam Spencer and unstoppable storyteller R.A. Spratt as team captains. Joining them as debaters are Mark Sutton, Osher Günsberg, Peter FitzSimons and Zoe Norton-Lodge.
Friday, 11 April 2025
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Enjoy a luxurious three-course dinner with fine wines, surrounded by inspiring company and electric energy. More than just a night of entertainment, it’s a chance to make a real difference—raising vital funds to boost literacy for disadvantaged children across Australia.
Tickets are almost gone—secure yours now!
