MultiLit (Making Up Lost Time In Literacy), the children’s literacy organisation with origins in the Macquarie University Special Education Centre (MUSEC), is celebrating 20 years of helping children read in 2015.

MultiLit began in 1995 under the leadership of Macquarie University’s Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall AM, with a remit to improve children’s literacy with an approach based upon scientific, evidence-based best practice.

It has supported various community-based reading programs for children facing particular disadvantage, including the Exodus Foundation’s ‘Schoolwise Project’ and its work with Noel Pearson in Cape York, as well as more mainstream success: MultiLit now has a presence in over 25% of schools in Australia.

The company was spun off from the University in 2006, but retains strong links. MultiLit Director Dr Robyn Beaman (Wheldall) is herself an Honorary Fellow at MUSEC.

“As part of our 20 years celebration we will be having a few special events and activities this year to celebrate this important milestone,” she says. “First up is the SydneyCoastrek on March 6, where we’ll have two teams walking the 55km from Palm Beach to Balmoral, to raise money for the important work of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

“Seven of the eight MultiLit walkers are graduates of Macquarie University, and we’d love the Macquarie community to get behind them.”

Learn more about Coastrek and show your support of the MultiLit teams.