The name of Tasmania's literacy charity may have changed, but its goal of achieving 100 per cent literacy for the state has not.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Chatter Matters became connect42 at a literacy symposium at Government House, Hobart, on Tuesday, with charity founder and chief executive Rosie Martin joining Tasmanian Governor Professor Kate Warner AC to launch the new name.
"The new name better reflects the organisation's approaches to its work," Ms Martin said.
"To connect with others brings meaning to our lives. In fact, we believe connection is deeply embedded in the meaning of life. Connection stimulates the development of communication, literacy and learning."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The number 42 was chosen because it relates to Tasmania's latitude of Tasmania and "the meaning of life", Ms Martin said, referencing The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy author Douglas Adams.
Recognised as Tasmanian Australian of the Year in 2017 for her work with literacy in Tasmanian prisons through the Just Sentences program, Ms Martin said the symposium highlighted new ways to approach improving the state's literacy rate.
"The voices of our community reflect the diversity of the problem, and within those voices lie the seeds of change and action," she said.
"One hundred per cent literacy in Tasmania and across Australia can be achieved, we have the evidence, and today we have new impetus."
Symposium host and connect42 patron Professor Warner said the event was an opportunity to build on Tasmania's literacy interventions in working towards that 100 per cent goal.
"Addressing Tasmania's literacy crisis through collaboration will create new ways to ensure all Tasmanians can have equal opportunities in learning and across all aspects of their lives," Professor Warner said.
"Literacy elevates our experience of everything, we must prioritise this, with some urgency."
While you're with us, did you know you can now sign up to receive updates direct to your inbox?