Magabala authors in running for Deadlys honour
AUGUST 2010
Magabala Books authors Michael Torres and Kevin Palmer make up half the field in the running for the 2010 Deadlys Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature.
Palmer and Torres join acclaimed authors Anita Heiss and Larissa Behrendt on the shortlist for the prestigious National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music, Sport, Entertainment and Community Awards — better known as the Deadlys.
The 2009 Deadly for Outstanding Achievement in Literature was won by Magabala Books author Lorraine McGee-Sippel for her title Hey Mum, What’s a Half Caste?
Palmer’s memoir, Boys’ Home to Broadway , tells the story of his rise from a childhood spent in a Queensland boys’ home to traveling the globe with the biggest names in stage and screen. Torres book, Dead Man’s Gold , is an exciting adventure set in the rugged Kimberley region that draws on the legends of the Australian outback, featuring treasure hunting, droving, gold prospecting — and ghosts.
The winners will be announced on September 27 at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
Brisbane, Melbourne to host launches for Cape York title
JULY 2010
The remarkable story of the Indigenous people of Hope Vale, Cockatoo: My Life in Cape York , will be launched in Brisbane and Melbourne in September 2010.
The exile of the Indigenous population of Hope Valley in the coastal region of Cape York in far north Queensland during World War II is a shameful yet seldom-told chapter in the history of Australia’s Indigenous people.
Author and artist Roy McIvor was just 10 when he was rounded up by the military with his family and community and shipped 1500km south to Woorabinda where they were decimated by disease amid atrocious living conditions.
And yet Cockatoo: My Life in Cape York is an inspirational story of how McIvor and his people triumphed over the hardships to which they were subjected, and eventually returned to their country now known as Hope Vale.
Cockatoo: My Life in Cape York will be launched in Queensland on September 5 at the Brisbane Writers Festival and in Melbourne at the Vivien Anderson Gallery on September 8. The Melbourne launch will coincide with an exhibition of McIvor’s artwork at the gallery.
Cockatoo: My Life in Cape York will be available in bookshops and online at www.magabala.com from September 2010.
Showbiz memoir launching at Byron Bay
JULY 2010
Boys’ Home to Broadway , the story of Kevin Palmer’s rise from a childhood spent in a boys’ home to travelling the globe with the biggest names in stage and screen, will be officially launched at the Byron Bay Writers Festival in August.
Byron Bay is one of Australia’s premier regional writers festivals and this year features Bret Easton Ellis, Kathy Lette, William McInnes, Megan Stack and Blanche d’Alpuget amongst others.
Actor, director, writer and entertainer Jonathan Biggins will launch Palmer’s memoir at the festival on August 8 at 11.30am .
For more information on the Byron Bay Writers Festival go to www.byronbaywritersfestival.com.au. Boys’ Home to Broadway is available in bookshops and online at www.magabala.com .
Magabala a finalist in Australian Book Industry Awards
JUNE 2010
The autobiography of Lorraine McGee-Sippel, Hey Mum, What’s a Half-Caste? is a finalist in the Australian Book Industry Awards for 2010.
The memoir, published by Magabala Books, is one of five titles shortlisted in the Biography of the Year category.
Making the announcement even more impressive is the field of finalists, which includes biographies of aviation pioneer Charles Kingsford-Smith, legendary race horse trainer Bart Cummings and Tour de France cycling star Cadel Evans. Winners will be announced on June 30 in Sydney.
Hey Mum, What’s a Half-Caste? has already won the 2009 Deadly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature, and the title sold out within three months of its release and is now in its second print run.
Hey Mum, What’s a Half-Caste? is available at www.magabala.com and in bookstores. For more information on the Australian Book Industry Awards go to www.publishers.asn.au .
Twists and turns in outback treasure hunt
JUNE 2010 Magabala Books has released an exciting new adventure story set in the rugged Kimberley region.
Dead Man’s Gold draws on the legends of the Australian outback, featuring treasure hunting, droving, gold prospecting — and ghosts.
Billy Stone rides out one morning, headed for a cattle muster, but a stop at a waterhole leads to some startling discoveries. A skeleton, a silver pistol and a treasure map take him on a wild ride full of twists and turns.
Author Michael Torres was the winner of the 2004 and 2005 Dymocks Northern Territory Literary Award in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writers' section.
Illustrator Sharyn Egan works as an art lecturer near Perth, Western Australia, and her artwork is included in collections around the country.
Dead Man’s Gold is available in bookshops and at www.magabala.com for $19.95.
Hardship and heartache in the outback
APRIL 2010 The inspiring memoir of Florence Corrigan has been released by Magabala Books. Miles of Post and Wire tells Corrigan's story, from growing up in bush camps on Pilbara station country to looking after her younger siblings while her parents eked out a living as itinerant workers.
Education, shoes and fresh food were luxuries the family could not afford. There was no running water or shops for hundreds of kilometres. As a teenager, with little more than a pound in her pocket, Flo left her family. Her abusive father told her never to return. Through her determination, initiative and sheer hard work, she made a life for herself and her family before losing loved ones to asbestos. Miles of Post and Wire is available in bookstores and online at www.magabala.com.
Young author releases tale about tolerance
MARCH 2010 Her own experiences while growing up were the inspiration for young author Renee Fogorty’s debut title, Fair Skin Black Fella, released in March by Magabala Books.
A Wiradjuri woman from Sydney and now living in Queensland, Fogorty wrote and illustrated the book while a Year 12 student.
Fair Skin Black Fella tells the story of Mary, a youngAboriginal girl living on a dusty cattle station. She is shunned by the other girls because of her fair skin until Old Ned, a community elder, speaks up.
Strikingly illustrated, the story explores the cultural identity issues facing young Australians.
Fair Skin Black Fella is available in bookstores and online at www.magabala.com.
Magabala a finalist in Australian book design awards
FEBRUARY 2010
Magabala Books title You call it desert - we used to live there has been shortlisted for the Australian Publishing Association’s 58th Book Design Awards.
The book is the story of world-renowned indigenous artist Jimmy Pike and his Englishwoman partner Pat Lowe and their life in the Great Sandy Desert. The book was first released 20 years ago but was completely redesigned and re-released in November 2009.
Shortlisted in the Best Designed Specialist Illustrated Book category, You call it desert - we used to live there features full colour examples of Pike’s artwork and photographs depicting the life of the Walmajarri people of the Great Sandy Desert.
APA Book Design Award winners will be announced at an event during the Sydney Writers Festival on May 20, 2010. For more information go to www.publishers.asn.au
Chance to meet award-winning author
FEBRUARY 2010 Lorraine McGee-Sippel, the Deadly Award-winning author of Hey Mum, What’s a Half-Caste? will sign copies of her book in March.
McGee-Sippel will conduct the book signing at Borders in Chatswood, NSW, on Saturday, March 20, at 2pm.
Hey Mum, What’s a Half-Caste? is the candid story of McGee-Sippel’s search for her birth family and explores the fragility of relationships, the reality of reconnecting with family and the importance of cultural identity.
Borders is at level 5, shop 521-525, Westfield Chatswood.
McGee-Sippel to speak at WordStorm in Darwin
FEBRUARY 2010 Award-winning Hey Mum, What’s a Half-Caste? author Lorraine McGee-Sippel will feature among a host of guests invited to speak at WordStorm, the Festival of Australasian Writing, in Darwin.
WordStorm has a unique place on Australia’s writers festival scene with its strong focus on Indigenous and South-East Asian writers, and runs from May 12 to 16, 2010.
It is a festival that talks to, and about, the region it inhabits. It is well away from the larger, east coast writers festivals in major capital cities, and has an intimacy and rare cultural mix that has writers and readers raving about it.
Overlapping the festival will be an Indigenous Writers and Educators Conference to run on May 12 and 13, 2010.
McGee-Sippel will be joined at WordStorm by guests including former Australian of the Year Tim Flannery, comedians Wendy Harmer and Mary G and Cold Chisel’s Don Walker.
For more information go to www.ntwriters.com.au Authors to be showcased at Perth Writers Festival
FEBRUARY 2010 A showcase of WA authors at the upcoming Perth Writers Festival will feature a range of talent published by Magabala Books.
The showcase will target visiting international writers and festival directors at the event which runs from February 26 to March 1, 2010.
Kirra Somerville (The Lizard Gang ), Lucy and Keifer Dann (Loongie the Greedy Crocodile ), Alf Taylor (Winds ), Pat Lowe and Jimmy Pike (You Call it Desert — We Used to Live There ) and Lorna Little (The Mark of the Wagarl ) will all have examples of their work on show.
For more information go to www.perthfestival.com.au Magabala secures annual funding
DECEMBER 2009 The Australia Council for the Arts has announced that Magabala Books has been successful in attracting core operational funding for the next six years.
One of only 10 organisations nationally to receive the funding, Magabala has been recognised as an industry leader in maintaining and developing Indigenous culture.
Magabala chairperson Coco Yu says this is fantastic for Magabala Books and a reflection of the hard work put in by board and staff members over the past three to four years to secure Magabala’s future.
The organisation has been working since September 2008 to develop a comprehensive five-year business plan which was submitted to both the Australia Council and the WA Department for Culture and the Arts in July.
Triennial funding has also been confirmed by the WA Department of Culture and the Arts from 2010 to 2012.
“This is what we’ve been working towards – a strong base from which to launch the next stage in our development,” Ms Yu says.
Senator Bob Brown launches Magabala’s first Tasmanian title
NOVEMBER 2009
Magabala’s first Tasmanian title, Ronnie: Tasmanian Songman , has been launched in Hobart at an event featuring song, dance and glowing tributes to author Ronnie Summers.
The book was introduced by Federal Senator Bob Brown.
“Ronnie Summers is a wild island boy who has overcome racism and the bottle to find power in his ancestry,” Brown says.
“Here is a story of a Tasmanian Aboriginal elder who is full of life and music and bonded to the land of his birth.
“Deeply committed to motivating a rising generation, Ronnie’s story provides a rich perspective for Australians who are interested in Tasmania’s past, present and future Aboriginal cultural identity.”
Ronnie: Tasmanian Songman is the story of musician, storyteller and craftsman Ronnie Summers as he recalls the freedom of growing up on Cape Barren Island and how the music passed on by his uncles and the island’s old fellas shaped his life. McGee-Sippel wins coveted Deadly Award
OCTOBER 2009 A capacity crowd at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall looked on as Lorraine McGee-Sippel, Magabala Books' first-time author, won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature at the 15th Deadly Awards.
The Deadly Awards celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander highest achievers in sport, music, health, education, employment, film, media, art and design, literature and theatre – nominated and voted on by the community.
From more than 8000 nominations from across Australia, there were 80 finalists vying for a coveted Deadly Award and Deadly ring – something worn proudly by winners over the years.
McGee-Sippel launched her first book, Hey Mum, What’s a Half Caste? in May 2009. It sold out within three months and was reprinted in September. Indigenous Philanthropy Expo
NOVEMBER 2009 On November 11, Magabala Books was one of 10 organisations that participated in a special Indigenous Philanthropy Expo in Melbourne.
The Expo was the culmination of a two-year mentoring program supported by the Australia Council aimed at partnering philanthropists with not-for-profit arts organisations.
Enora takes flight in Cairns
MARCH 2009
This month Magabala Books launched a New Edition of the award winning book Enora and the Black Crane at Kick Arts Gallery in Cairns. The launch was attended by over 150 people including Cairns Mayor, Val Schier who launched the book with Suzie Haslehurst CEO of Magabala Books and featured the original paintings by Arone Meeks.
“One of the things that really excited us about this book was that the original illustrations were so beautiful, it became an art book as much as a children’s book. We work with authors and illustrators on a national scale, priding ourselves on the quality and integrity of our books. Being based in Broome has never restricted Magabala from working with national talent like Arone Meeks,” Haslehurst said.
Enora and the Black Crane was written and illustrated by Arone Meeks, and is a traditional Indigenous story based on his knowledge of the bush, the spirits who lived there and their laws as taught to him by his grandfather, a member of the Kuku Midiji people in Cape York.
The first edition of Enora and the Black Crane was awarded the Ezra Jack Keats UNICEF International Children’s Book Award, one of the greatest honours in the children’s literature world, and presented to Arone Meeks by Audrey Hepburn [photo available]. It was also shortlisted for the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Award.  
Local Launch Celebrates Young Creators
  
Two Kimberley children’s books were launched by Magabala Books as a part of Broome’s NAIDOC celebrations.
 Joshua and the Two Crabs , written and illustrated by Joshua Button, and Loongie the Greedy Crocodile written by mother and son Lucy and Kiefer Dann and illustrated by Bronwyn Houston are fantastic examples to all young people that there are opportunities to tell their stories and have them published.
The ambient night was a buzz as over 150 guests were treated to gubinge and rosella juice and an old Broome favourite, fish curry, whilst being serenaded by local musician Mick Manolis.
One of Australia’s leading reconciliation advocates, Patrick Dodson, proudly commended the authors and illustrators on their achievement, as he officially launched the two books.
“It is great to see these young people telling these stories about their connection to country which is so important to our culture,” Dodson says.
Held at the Magabala Bookshop in Broome, the launch was a great opportunity to showcase their new premises, which holds an extensive range of their Indigenous titles. The night was a huge success with unbelievable local support for the authors and illustrators. 
Congratulations to Magabala’s NAIDOC Award Winners
Magabala Books has had a first time young author, illustrator and board member all win prestigious awards at the Kullarri NAIDOC Awards.
Joshua Button won Junior Scholarly Achiever of the Year. Joshua has just had his first book published this year with Magabala Books, after working for a number of years with Robyn Wells St Mary’s School in Broome.
Joshua and the Two Crabs is a delightful story that is based on Joshua’s own family holidays. Joshua shares his experiences and vividly captures the atmosphere and energy of such a unique location, as he chases crabs through the mangroves, up trees and into the water. His observations of his family’s fishing trips give us a unique opportunity to see the adventure through his eyes.
Grace Fielding won Artist of the Year and has illustrated five children’s books all published with Magabala Books. A Home for Bilby won the WA Premiers Award and Bip the Snapping Bungaroo, won the Crichton Award for Illustration. Grace Fielding's beautiful illustrations combine traditional Aboriginal dot art with contemporary images.
Edie Wright won the prestigious award of Person of the Year. The award was presented by Patrick Dodson. Edie said she was “over the moon” to be named NAIDOC person of the year. Currently the Kimberley District Education Office’s manager of Indigenous education, Edie said her goal is to have at least one all Aboriginal run school in the Kimberley in the near future. Edie is currently on the board of Magabala Books.
“I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of aboriginal kids. As a teacher I could help within a class, as a principal I could help within a school, now I try to help within a district.” Edie said.
Aussie Twos Launch a Bubbling Success
 
Magabala Books has released an exciting addition to the Aussie Kids’ board book series. Aussie Twos Like To… was launched at the Courthouse markets by Carol Martin MLA in Broome with a burst of colour and fun.
 The morning was filled with activities for kids including helium balloons, face painting, bubble blowing and hand painting.
Aussie Twos Like To… continues to encourage early childhood literacy, following on from the success of Australian Babies and Aussie Toddlers Can .
Featuring Broome toddlers, it is rich with multicultural diversity and reflects a unique and vibrant society.
Producing the book was a true local affair, involving Broome photographers Jim and Kim Delios, designer Bronwyn Houston, publisher Magabala Books and the Broome Public Library.
Twelve children were photographed reading, blowing bubbles, painting, swinging and much more. The photos were then placed onto graphic backgrounds that showcase iconic images of Broome such as mangoes and rosellas, camels on the beach and our beautiful Southern Cross.
 It is a feast of colours, shapes, animals and fun, with Aussie two-year-olds doing all the things they love best. Targeted at two-year-olds and their level of learning, Aussie Twos Like To… takes into consideration all the aspects that engage and educate early learners.
Aussie Twos Like To… gives every parent the opportunity to provide early learning in the home environment regardless of literacy levels. It is highly recommended for childcare centres, preschools and libraries.
Upcoming Graphic Novelist Wins APA Mentorship
 Brenton McKenna is a young Indigenous artist and writer from Broome. Brenton is one of twenty successful applicants to be awarded a highly sought after mentorship with the Australian Society of Authors.
A select group of writers and illustrators from across Australia will work closely with a mentor of their choice for 30 hours over a 12 month period.
‘Getting this mentorship is like confirmation that my work and my ideas are good. I can hardly comprehend how amazing this opportunity is,’ says Brenton.
Ever since he can remember Brenton has been passionate about art and telling stories. He first developed an interest in comic books and this style of drawing when he was very young and is now tackling his biggest project yet.
For the last couple of years Brenton has been working with Magabala Books on his graphic novel Ubby’s Underdogs. He hopes that the mentorship will help him to complete the books illustrations in the specialised graphic art style.
The story is greatly influenced by Brenton’s childhood in Broome. The main character, Ubby, was inspired by Brenton’s grandmother, a strong woman who knew how to look after herself.
Ubby is a smart, young Aboriginal girl who is twice as tough as the streets she lives on. She is the leader of a rag-tag group of youth known as the ‘Underdogs’. When Ubby meets Sai Fong, a Chinese girl who has arrived fresh off the boat from Beijing, street life in Broome takes on a multitude of new dimensions.
From the moment the two girls meet, they find themselves immersed in a series of bizarre adventures influenced by Aboriginal and Chinese myths and legend, and secrets never before exposed.
Brenton currently lives in Adelaide with his partner and three young children.
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