Applications for the 2013 Childrens Picture Book Illustrators Initiative will be accepted from 4 February 2013 until 5 March 2013. This program aims to support illustrators in creating new picture books, graphic novels and comics.

Presented by the Australian Society of Authors, with the support of the Australia Council for the Arts, grants of up to $15,000 are available for emerging, developing and established illustrators who have a specific project they%u219d like to develop. Both illustrators and author/illustrators with some publication history and a work-in-progress are welcome to apply.

For more information and to download the Guidelines, visit www.asauthors.org/childrens-picture-book-illustrators-initiative. Applicants should ensure they read the eligibility criteria and the Frequently Asked Questions before they prepare their application.For details or images of the 2012 winning submissions contact Lucie Stevens, Program Manager, Australian Society of Authors on 02 9211 1004 or asa@asauthors.org.

Local artist Michael Carroll launches his book Sketches from an unscripted journey at Orange City Library on Thursday 6th September at 5.30pm. Some of Michael's artworks will be on display. MC for the evening will be Orange Regional Gallery Director Alan Sisley and special guest Frannie Hopkirk. Michael has travelled the world and chooses Molong as his home. He is inspired by the power of colour, texture and definition and is now pleased to present his sketches in a beautifully presented book.

Thursday 6 Sept 5.30pm Orange City Library 147 Byng St, Orange RSVP to 6393 8132

Local illustrator Freya Blackwood was the special guest with family, friends and supporters at the weekend celebrations for her latest collaboration with author Libby Gleeson titled Look, a Book! The event was hosted by Collins Booksellers. About the book: Amongst the jumble of modern living two children find a book. It is a bright red beacon in the muted and desolate environment in which they live as they open the pages their world awakens and so does their imaginations! It is a beautiful book with the exquisite design carried through onto the cover making it look loved - like a book should.

Regional Classics Pty Ltd have created a new event in Parkes called the 1901 Fest. The festival will be held in December and January with funds raised going to support a new indoor swimming pool in Parkes. The festival includes activities such as illustration and story writing competitions. To enter school students are required to write a story from the perspective of a person living in Parkes during Federation. For the illustration - do what you feel is a reflection of what a person living in Parkes during Federation would be exposed to. Students can also write or illustrate a picture about the town they live in - if they want to - but remember it must reflect the year 1901. There are some great prizes to be won. The entry fee is $5 and one entry per person. For details collect an entry form at Orange City Library or Forbes Library. Or for more details go to the web: www.regionalclassics.com.au. For further enquiries call 1300 393 013. Good Luck.

Hachette is now accepting unsolicited manuscripts for picture books and Young Adult fiction (for readers 13+). Illustrators are also invited to submit their portfolio.

With any submission, send only copies of your work and, if you would like the material returned, enclosed a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Please do not send CDs.

Address your submissions to: Children's Submissions Hachette Australia Level 17, 207 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000

For all the details visit www.hachettechildrens.com.au. and go to the authors/illustrators FAQs.

Congratulations to our very own Freya Blackwood who has won The Kate Greenwood Medal, the UK's most prestigious children's illustration award. Her prize-winning illustrations are inspired by the memory of a beloved pet dog in Harry & Hopper. The Kate Greenaway Medal was established in 1955, for distinguished illustration in a book for children. It is named after the popular nineteenth century artist known for her fine children's illustrations and designs. The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded annually for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people. To read more http://www.booksellers.co.nz/book-news/trade-news/freya-blackwood-wins-2010-cilip-kate-greenaway-medal or http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/2010awards/