Mary-Ruth Mendel
Speech Pathologist with a private practice in Sydney, specialising in literacy and language learning difficulties, with an international client base.
Founder of the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) since 1999, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to raising language, literacy and numeracy standards in Australia. ALNF raises funds to develop, implement and sustain innovative projects for individuals, families and communities. Author of programs and courses including the Early Language and Literacy program, the Learning to Read and Write in First Language program and CALIL – Coding Aboriginal Languages for Indigenous Literacy.
Received the 2006 Best Community Project Award at the Ethical Investor's 6th Australian Sustainability Awards for the design and delivery of her First Language Reading Course to Indigenous community members.
Finalist in The Australian of the Year Awards 2008 – Local Hero Award NSW, and named Australia Day Ambassador each year from 2009. Served on the judging panel for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards in 2010/2011 – Children’s and Young Adult Fiction.