New chief has a vision for books

Michelle Broun may have only just settled into her role as chief executive of Magabala Books, but said she already had ideas for the publishing house’s 30th anniversary.

Ms Broun was welcomed last month, replacing long-term chief executive Suzie Haslehurst.

A Yindjibarndi woman, with strong cultural ties to the Pilbara and Scottish ancestry on her father’s side, Ms Broun brings a wealth of skills with her, having worked in the arts since 1989 as a visual artist, a freelance curator for local government and in the not-for-profit sector.

She also worked for the Department for Culture and the Arts in indigenous arts development and funding.

Ms Broun said she looked forward to new challenges in a new environment. “I love the landscape, the people and the organisation,” she said.

“I’m up for the challenge.” Ms Broun plans to build on the vision elders had in 1985 to retain cultural integrity through publishing and strengthen the position of Magabala as Australia’s oldest independent indigenous publishing house.

“It’s about strengthening the organisation and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders,” she said.

“Also to really build the skills of Aboriginal authors, storytellers and illustrators.”