Books n Boots began with a kitchen table, a generous library, and a call for help.

In 2015, co-founders John and Tara came across a post from a school in the Torres Strait Islands. The message was simple yet powerful: the children needed books. Their small school library held only a handful of titles, many of which the students had read over and over again. It was a stark contrast to life in Melbourne, where books seemed to overflow from every shelf. Determined to do something, John and Tara reached out to their local library, which gladly donated a selection of children’s books. With the support of a local charity, those first 400 books made the long journey by road freight and barge to the Tiwi Islands.

What started as a one-off act of kindness quickly grew into something bigger. More requests began to arrive from schools and communities across Australia. The need was clear, and the response from donors and volunteers was overwhelming.

By December 2015, Books n Boots was officially incorporated and recognised as a charity, committed to ensuring First Nations children have access to quality books, sports gear, and educational resources.

Today, we’re proud to remain First Nations-led, community-driven, and fuelled by the same grassroots spirit that began at our dining table. Every delivery, every book, and every connection is guided by our belief that every child deserves the joy of reading and the opportunities it brings.