The Children's Book Council of Australia SA Branch (CBCA SA) is a passionate, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organisation, uniting educators, librarians, authors, illustrators, publishers and other experts in the children’s literature community in South Australia and across the country. It is a branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia national body, an independent, not for profit, volunteer organisation established to promote Australian children's literature. ​​

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In 1945, South Australia led the nation by establishing one of the first Children’s Book Councils of Australia, a visionary step that laid the foundation for a rich culture of children’s literature and storytelling in our state. CBCA SA and the national organisation addressed the increasing need for quality Australian children's literature, ensuring that Australian children had access to quality stories reflecting their own country. And they worked towards the shared goal of bringing children and books together.

Over the past 80 years, CBCA SA has been instrumental in shaping the field of children's literature in Australia and remains a prominent advocate for high-quality books for young readers.​​ In 2025, CBCA SA marked this 80-year milestone with a dynamic series of community events and continued its mission to bring children and books together and promote excellent Australian stories and their creators. In 2026 CBCA SA will celebrate the 80th year of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. 

The CBCA SA Branch:

• provides resources and information about quality Australian children's literature.

• supports South Australian authors and illustrators of children's and young adult books.

• distributes information about children's books, authors, and illustrators.

• supports quality children's and school library services.

• facilitates the appointment of judges to the CBCA Book of the Year Awards panel.

• organises professional development and community outreach activities supporting children's literature and its creators. ​