In a push to make the program "their own" the Coonamble Literacy for Life program will feature an all-local teaching and leadership staff in 2024.

Earlier in 2023 the Literacy for Life Foundation's 'Yes I Can' campaign finally secured funding to roll out a two-year program in Coonamble which has previously been delivered in other remote communities, including Bourke, Walgett and Collarenebri.

The program which ran classes this year for eight graduates will have two intakes in the new year, starting on 12 February.

Unlike last year though, it will be an all local outfit at Literacy for Life with Sonja Sands stepping into the Coordinators role, and Gail Turnbull as the new Project Officer.

"We want to be able to make the program our own," said Ms Turnbull.

Unlike last year, the program will now be run out of the Coonamble main street at Castlereagh Electrical from Monday through to Thursday compared to this year where it was run out of the REDI.E Youth Centre.

"We're going to have a community information day in January," said Ms Turnbull. "We want as many to attend as possible."

The classes, aim to help basic literacy and reading but will also look at things such as digital literacy and using computers.

"We want to own our program, and anyone can come."

"We'd like to see some more males join as well."

Lateisha Stevens will move into a facilitator role after graduating from the course earlier this year.

She says that the program is beneficial for anyone.

"Even if you can read and write, it helps explain things better," said Ms Stevens. "If you didn’t cope in school this could be something really good for you."

"It's not like going to school either."

Information regarding the community day in January is expected to come in the New Year and classes will start in the new school year.