Erskine receives 2022 Lady Cutler Award

Gail Erskine is the recipient of the 2022 Lady Cutler Award, presented by the New South Wales branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) for distinguished service to children’s literature.

The CBCA NSW branch said: ‘Gail has been a life-long passionate supporter of children’s literature from her work as a primary school teacher, as a teacher educator and through her long-term involvement with CBCA NSW Branch. She has been an active and influential member of CBCA NSW Branch since 1990, establishing a sub-branch in the Southern Sydney suburbs, and then through the NSW Branch Committee, where she has held the position of President from 2013–19 and is again NSW Branch President.’

Said Margaret Hamilton, a former publisher and long-term board member of the CBCA: ‘Gail continues to be a passionate and professional promoter of children’s literature, not only to children, but to librarians and parents. She is highly respected by CBCA members and especially by the many children’s authors and illustrators she has, and continues to, promote. Gail must also be commended for her enthusiastic mentorship and encouragement of new committee members, not just of the NSW Branch but extending to sub-branches, instilling in them her considerable dedication to children’s books and the CBCA and passing on her knowledge. Her fundamental belief in the transformative power of children’s writing has shaped her life’s work and inspired a love of reading among thousands of children.’

Erskine was presented with the award at a CBCA NSW event on Saturday, 29 October.

Libby Hathorn was the recipient of the 2020 award.

Category: Awards Local news