Burke closes the book on an educational era

BALLARAT Books’ owner-operator, John Burke will soon retire, having launched the educational resource business forty-six years ago.

First working in a Newcastle bookshop at 15, Mr Burke soon became an educational resource expert.

Exploring Ballarat during a 1973 business visit, he “fell in love with it,” and stayed. With Ron Southall, he launched Ballarat Books in 1974, to promote literacy, help and engage the community.

Its core business has been coordinating booklists – now serving 60 schools, originally supporting only Ballarat High – and providing educational resources for primary, secondary and tertiary students, teachers, parents and home schoolers.

Mr Burke’s “wonderful” colleagues are his highlight.

“It’s been fun. I’ve worked with some of the most incredible, dedicated and caring bunch of people,” he said.

“It’s not about their knowledge, but the heart in them. It’s about engaging and listening.”

The book trade is a “fountain of knowledge.” It’s like “getting paid for doing a university course,” while watching lives launch.

“All the knowledge comes through. It’s enthralling to see it, to listen to people talking about why they’re reading, and see families bring their children through…every step of the way.

“Sometimes those children come back and work for us as teenagers, they go to uni and then we act as referees,” he said.

“The doctors, lawyers, electricians, real estate agents that have gone through is phenomenal.”

Ballarat Books was sold to Campion Education Australia last August. The Armstrong Street shopfront closed on Friday.

The business is operational as Campion Education Ballarat on Yarrowee Street. Mr Burke’s team will continue, led by Dianne Woodhouse, a staffer of 33 years. While they transition, Mr Burke will do some consulting.

“I’m leaving Ballarat Books behind, but I feel rewarded to have secured opportunities for my staff,” he said.

“Dianne is one of the best educational booksellers in this country. Our schools know her, our community knows us, and we have a responsibility to give the best service we can.”