On the eve of 24 September, women from the Manly community flooded St Matts Church on the Corso to swap books and in turn help families in Manado lift themselves out of poverty. Helen Allchurch and her team did a great job coordinating the event, attracting a 130-strong crowd of book lovers. 

Award-winning author, Melina Marchetta (Saving Francesca, Looking for Alibrandi, Jellicoe Road and her newest one, Finnikin of the Rock) spoke at the event and local photographer Stu Harris spoke about his time in Manado and his Love in Action book, reminding everyone why they were gathered at the event. Everyone left the evening, tummies full, mouths sore from chatting, a new book in tow, and perhaps a little flicker of a dream inside about how they too could all be authors, just like Melina.

Well done to all involved - five families will now be given the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and set up their own business in Manado through Manly-Manado's micro enterprise development partner, Bridge of Hope.  "Most of the loan recipients happen to be women as they are passionate about educating and feeding their children," said Helen. "That's why the book swap was (mostly) women helping women to get their families out of poverty."