LITTLE BOOKWORMS CALLED TO GET CREATIVE THIS BOOK WEEK

Steph Cooke MP, pictured in the Maimuru Public School Library.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, is encouraging students to celebrate the magic of reading and unleash their creativity through a special Book Week competition.

The competition invites primary school students to design an original bookmark based on the theme of Book Bugs, reflecting their love of books and nature’s smallest wonders.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said the competition is a fun way to celebrate Book Week while highlighting the importance of literacy and reading from an early age.

"Book Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the stories and characters that inspire young people to read," Ms Cooke said.

"Reading helps children develop their imagination and creativity while supporting learning outcomes, making it one of the most important skills they can develop.”

"This competition is all about putting those skills to the test, all while having some fun.”

Primary schools across the Cootamundra electorate have been provided with a bookmark template, and the competition is open to students from Kindergarten through Year 6.

As part of this special community initiative, the winning bookmarks from each of the three age categories will be professionally printed and distributed to local nursing homes, helping spread the joy of Book Week throughout our community.

Entries close on Friday, 21 August 2026, and students are encouraged to submit their designs before the deadline.

"One of the things I love most about this competition is that it creates a connection between young readers and older members of our community," Ms Cooke said.

"I can't wait to see the creative and colourful bookmark designs our students come up with.”

"Whether you're a bookworm, a budding artist, or both, I'd love to see as many children as possible get involved."