Dr Arlie Alizzi, Editor at Magabala Books has been awarded the 2025 Australian Publishers Association Rising Star Award.

Arlie is a Yugambeh editor at Magabala Books. Based in Rubibi/Broome, he is a writer, researcher and anti-racism educator who has been published by outlets such as the Sydney Review of Books, Liminal Magazine, The Lifted Brow, The Saturday Paper, the Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News, SBS and Overland. 

Judges comments 

‘[Alizzi] plays an integral and unique role in the industry,’ said the judges. ‘It’s clear he’s both beloved at Magabala and also a shining star in their workforce. The descriptions of Arlie working outside of his departmental role are a key indicator of Rising Star status … people who are curious enough and care enough to make initiative to work on matters outside of their role descriptor are the ones who truly make a workplace special.’

On receiving the award via Zoom at the BookUp conference, Dr Alizzi said: 

‘I want to acknowledge the Yawuru people from whose land I’m calling in from today, and the other shortlistees, particularly my co-worker Melena Cole-Manolis who sits next to me in the Magabala office. I read all of your interviews and I think this is a really lovely award, thanks to the Magabala board and authors and the marketing team who put me up for the award.’

The annual award, administered by the Australian Publishers Association, recognises ‘emerging talent in the Australian publishing industry, and is open to Australian publishing professionals who have been part of the industry for no more than 10 years’.

More information about Dr Alizzi and the award can be found on the APA website.