Broome-based publisher Magabala Books announces trailblazer Dr Lilly Brown as new chief executive officer

Broome-based Magabala Books — Australia’s premier Indigenous publishing house — is set to start a new chapter as it welcomes Dr Lilly Brown as its new chief executive. With a diverse background including education, youth research, and leadership in various sectors, Dr Brown’s appointment signals a promising future for the organisation. Over the past decade, Mr Brown has tirelessly supported organisations, especially in the field of education, in fostering cultural safety and racial literacy. She has also played a pivotal role in establishing sustainable governance structures that centre the critical knowledge and diverse lived experiences of First Nations people. Magabala Books chair Tony Lee said he was excited to see Dr Brown join the organisation. “Lilly brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and capacity to Magabala which will augur well for the next chapter of our journey as Australia’s leading First Nations publishing house. It’s an exciting time for Magabala,” he said. Dr Brown holds a PhD in education and youth research from the University of Melbourne, along with a master’s in politics and education from the University of Cambridge. Her educational background has been instrumental in her work, which includes serving as an education specialist with the Aurora Education Foundation and, most recently, as the executive director of the headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. She continues her involvement with the Aurora Foundation as a board director and chairs Jalygurr Guwan, an early years Aboriginal education centre in Broome. Dr Brown’s extensive experience working with First Nations young people and elders has been a profound learning experience for her. She proudly identifies as a Gumbaynggirr woman and resides in Broome, which is also the traditional country of her partner and children. Speaking on her new position, Dr Brown said it was “with humility and excitement” that she took the role. “The arts and culture sector are set to experience a renaissance with creativity again being recognised as part of the fabric of who we are as a nation,” she said. “As a self-determined, First Nations governed and led publisher, Magabala has a lot to share after decades of advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers and creatives. “Within this context, I look forward to working alongside the board, staff and publisher, Nimunburr and Yawuru woman Rachel Bin Salleh, to carry forward the organisation’s core values in the next stage of Magabala’s journey.” Dr Brown will start her chief executive role in January, In the interim, general manager Kate Rendell, who has been an integral part of Magabala Books for the past five years, will continue to support the leadership transition as acting chief executive.