The Premier of NSW, the Hon Bob Carr, initiated the Premier's Reading Challenge as a way to promote an interest in reading in 2001.  This Challenge encourages all NSW students in Years  2 - 8 to read 20 - 40 books in one year.

Students, who meet the Challenge each year, receive a signed certificate from the Premier and those who are successful for four years in a row will receive a Gold Award for Reading.   

Schools are also invited to be in the Challenge. There are prizes for schools with outstanding participation.