Narrogin’s Nelly the Numbat celebrates inclusive story times with special commendation Library Board Awards

Narrogin’s celebrity mascot, Nelly the Numbat, who is a best friend, educator and role model to the local children has been etched into history at the prestigious 2025 Library Board Awards.

R.W. (Bob) Farr Memorial Library officer Jared Egerton-Warburton accepted a special commendation in the small regional library category for their outstanding contribution to inclusive early literacy programming on July 31, at the State Library of WA.

Mr Egerton-Warburton said it was great to have the teams efforts recognised and that his favourite Nelly moments include gifting books to children when visiting local schools, events and on the street.

Nelly’s Key Word Sign Storytimes and High Tea Rhyme Time which aims to enhance accessibility and inclusion developed from the numbat’s debut in May 2021, as part of the Australian-wide Paint the Town REaD scheme.

Library officer and creative behind Nelly, Tegan Winn said a lot of families benefit from Key Word Sign because their children have different communication styles and needs.

“There’s some non verbal children due to autism or trauma, so we wanted Nelly to be something they can identify with and an event everyone can attend, its not isolating someone,” she said.

“They use Key Word Sign then they recognise it and if not other kids will come and learn Key Word Sign and just have fun.”

The awards showcase how regional libraries are leaders for meaningful, community-driven programs promoting literacy, accessibility and joy in learning.

Key Word Sign Storytime is held during the school holidays and High Tea Rhyme Time is scheduled every second Thursday of the month at R.W (Bob) Farr Memorial Library in Narrogin.