Magabala appeals for support

A SPECIAL Christmas appeal by Magabala Books to help develop indigenous writers and artists’ skills was given a great start with its first donation.

Greens WA Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple became the first donor to Magabala’s Australian Indigenous Creators’ Scholarships Christmas Appeal during a recent visit to Broome.

“I was impressed with what I saw at Magabala,” he said.

“The work they do in supporting and publishing indigenous authors and illustrators is remarkable.

“There was no question I wanted to support them.”

One of Australia’s leading indigenous publishing houses, and operating more than 25 years, Magabala is a not-for-profit Aboriginal corporation and relies on sales for 40 per cent of its operational costs.

It aims to raise $30,000 through its Christmas appeal and is already a third of the way there.

Donations will help develop skills through opportunities such as professional mentoring, developing book illustration skills, attending writers’ workshops or support in editing a manuscript.

Magabala Books chief executive Michelle Broun said the publisher hoped the appeal would become a proud tradition to support the next generation of indigenous writers and artists.

To donate, visit givenow.com.au/magabala or Magabala Books at 1 Bagot Street, or call 9192 1991.