Published on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at 11:42:57 AM
Paint the Town REaD is a nationwide initiative that supports communities as they make learning to read fun and accessible for children aged between zero and five. Paint the Town REaD aims to demonstrate that literacy development can start as a newborn, with early literacy development setting children up for success later in life.
The Shire of Exmouth is proud to be joining over 80 community groups across Australia to give the children in our community the best start possible in life and education. Paint the Town REaD makes the start of children's reading journeys a fun and impactful opportunity.
This community-led initiative encourages families to read to children from birth. Early brain development associated with the benefits of reading boosts children's social skills, understanding of language, talking and overall cognitive development.
Shire President Matthew Niikkula said: “Early literacy is of huge importance to our younger generation in shaping the future of our community thinkers, leaders and innovators.
“By providing reading opportunities and resources to children at young ages before they start school, we are helping them grow and succeed in their future endeavours.”
Paint the Town Read is founded on evidence-based best practice, providing proven outcomes in children's increased ability to start school ready to learn across communities in Australia. When reading has been introduced from an early age, preferably five years before school, children are three times as likely to start school ready to learn with a better ability to perform well in education through to their teens.
The initiative hopes to remove barriers and open access to books and literature for everyone. Through fun, bright, loud and playful reading events, families will be able to embark on a journey with their children. On Monday 15 September 2025, the community’s special literacy ‘egg’ was unveiled at the Exmouth Public Library.
Over the following weeks, the egg will travel to schools, playgroups, childcare centres, and community spaces before hatching at the Children’s Week Event in Federation Park in October.
Families are invited to join in at every egg stop – whether it’s Storytime at the library, playgroup crafts, or school reading sessions.
The Paint the Town REaD team said: “We’re so excited to bring Paint the Town REaD to Exmouth. The egg journey will spark children’s curiosity and remind families that reading, talking, singing, and playing every day makes a huge difference.”
Working together in collaboration with local groups has made this initiative possible and ensured maximum community involvement and outreach. The program is supported locally, with donations from Manta Rays Resort, Exmouth Early Learning Centre, Exmouth Ice & Water, and Exmouth News Agency.
For more information and updates, follow us on Facebook facebook.com/paintexmouthread or contact Coordinator Community Development Ashley Aldridge: aaldridge@exmouth.wa.gov.au
Back to All News