WALTER MCVITTY, NOTED AUSTRALIAN PUBLISHER OF BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Walter McVitty, author, publisher, visionary is to be honoured at the 26th annual Dinner of The Dromkeen Society in Melbourne on 23 February, 2007 when he will be presented with the prestigious Dromkeen Medal.

Walter McVitty enjoyed a career as a teacher and librarian before setting up Walter McVitty Books with his wife Lois in 1985. For 23 years the publishing venture flourished with their policy of accepting for publication only the highest quality of writing and illustration resulting in them winning many awards both within Australia and overseas. In 1995 Walter was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the arts and particularly as a publisher of chilren's literature, The business was sold to Lothian Books in 1998 and Walter and Lois live in retirement in Melbourne.

I have met Walter on a number of occasions, and long admired his publishing. Can I then on behalf of all New Zealanders who admire quality children's publishing offer Walter warmest congratulations on this latest accolade and wish him and Lois a long and happy retirement.