Berky the Brush Turkey

What is it all about?

In 2017, the Mackay Paint the Town REaD Reading Egg visited Mackay’s local kindergartens, schools, early childhood education and care services, playgroups and businesses.

To help the Reading Egg grow, children were engaged in reading, talking, singing, yarning and rhyming with it. The Reading Egg hatched and the Mackay Paint the Town REaD mascot, ‘Berky the Brush Turkey’ arrived.

As 90% of brain development happens in the early years, Berky needs the children of Mackay to read, talk, sing, yarn, and rhyme with him to help him get ready for reading and writing at school.  Two special books, illustrated by students from Slade Point State School and Eimeo Road State School titled ‘How the brush turkey lost his egg’ and ‘Birds don’t have birthdays’ accompany Berky on his adventures. To help Berky get ready for school, these books can be shared with Berky and the children.

How to get involved

Early Childhood Education and Care services, Primary Schools, Kindergartens, Family Day Care services, Playgroups and other community groups are invited to host Berky the Brush Turkey for up to one week and engage children in fun activities. Activities include reading, talking, playing, rhyming, singing and yarning with Berky to help him get ready for school.

For further information on how to book Berky, please contact us via berkythebrushturkey@mackay.qld.gov.au

Birds Don't Have Birthdays

Look and see at Cape Hillsborough

How the brush turkey lost his egg - Senior children

How the brush turkey lost his egg - Junior children