Meet Hervey Bay’s new reading ambassador!

HBNC is excited to introduce the community’s newest reading ambassador, Hervey Bear, following a public vote to choose the name.

Hervey Bear will soon be travelling to various family-friendly locations around the Bay, sharing stories with children and community members to raise awareness of the importance of reading in early childhood.

Building on the success of the Read Bears project, which has already familiarised many Year 1 students with the joys of reading, this campaign expands the initiative to reach even more children and parents. Hervey Bear’s mission is to encourage early literacy by bringing storytime to life, while also offering families ideas for no-cost and low-cost activities to enjoy at home.

Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that reading in early childhood significantly supports cognitive and language development. With Hervey Bear leading the way, HBNC aims to highlight how important reading is for young minds, especially during these critical early years.

Sheenah Heinonen, HBNC’s Families, Children and Youth Manager, said Hervey Bear provided a creative and accessible way to get young children interested in reading.

“Read Bears is one of HBNC’s best-loved programs, and its popularity in schools throughout Queensland shows that the simple act of reading to a cuddly friend helps spark a love of reading in children,” Sheenah said.

“We’re excited to expand this concept to include our youngest readers and pre-readers, including families who attend Play With Your Kids playgroups.”

Sheenah said Hervey Bear would also help promote free or low-cost activities families can try at home.

“As cost-of-living pressures rise, it’s important for parents and caregivers to have access to simple, creative ways to engage their children,” Sheenah said.

“Hervey Bear will not only be reading stories in the community but also sharing ideas for fun, low-cost activities using everyday items like jars, bottles, and cardboard rolls.”

Families can expect to see Hervey Bear exploring the community, with weekly visits to local parks, libraries, and other popular spots. Each week, Hervey Bear will be featured on Play With Your Kids and HBNC’s social media, showcasing family-friendly locations and providing low-cost ideas to keep children entertained over the weekend.

Follow HBNC and Play With Your Kids on Facebook for regular updates on Hervey Bear’s adventures, storytime sessions, and creative ideas for low-cost activities.