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Russ the Story Bus is our magical library on wheels that visits schools across NSW to support children at the very beginning of their reading journey to spark a lifetime love of storytelling, reading and creativity.

After 10 incredible years visiting over 70,000 students from lower socio-economic schools across Greater Western Sydney and Regional NSW, our bus is showing signs of a well-loved journey. 

To keep our beloved Russ on the road, we need to raise funds for a new bus. 

Without a new bus Sydney Writers’ Festival will no longer be able to run our much-loved and vital Russ the Story Bus Program. This would result in over 10,000 children and 60 schools each year (all from socio-economic areas with high First Nations and English as a second language students) no longer having access to author talks, teacher resources, workshops and the chance for the kids to choose a book of their own – which we know for many is the first book they ever own. 
 
We don’t want to imagine a time when we have to say goodbye to Russ, so we are asking for your help with our End of Financial Year campaign. 

How you can help

Our current bus is over 35 years old and following a difficult tour through the flood-affected Northern Rivers region required significant mechanical repairs. 

Whilst our existing bus is scheduled to go on tour at the end of 2025, we know we won’t be able to guarantee future years unless we secure funds for a new bus. 

Your donation will have a direct impact in allowing us to:

• Replace the bus 

• Purchase a bus that’s accessible for children with mobility needs 

• Purchase a more environmentally friendly bus that can travel further distances  

• Extend our tour and visit over 10,000 students per year in low socio-economic schools across NSW. The current demand for Russ is so high that currently we can only visit 40% of schools who put in an expression of interest for a visit each year. 

Your contribution, no matter the amount, will make a powerful impact and allow us to continue to share the magic of Russ the Story Bus with the children and schools who need him most. 

Alternatively, please contact Lauren Dixon, Head of Development, to discuss your support and alternative payment methods.  

As a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity all donations of $2 or more to Sydney Writers’ Festival are tax-deductible.