Magabala Books is thrilled to announce it will establish a new cadetship program for First Nations publishing professionals. The Publishing Cadetship will provide extensive on-the-job training, professional development and sustainable employment, with mentorship from Australia’s only Indigenous Publisher, Rachel Bin Salleh. 

“This cadetship is about achieving real employment outcomes. A career in publishing needs to be the right fit for the right person and must be culturally safe. We want to support First Nations professionals to pursue the career they’re interested in, whether that be as Publisher, Editor, Publicist or Designer.” 

- Rachel Bin Salleh. 

In early 2020, Magabala received initial project funding from the State Government of Western Australia, through a Kimberley Development Commission RED Grant, to establish the Publishing Cadetship program.  It is anticipated the first Cadetship will open for applications in early 2021.

Over a two-year program, cadets will gain experience across all areas of publishing and the organisation. At the successful completion of the program, the cadet will be offered an ongoing position as an employee of Magabala – this may be in the publishing team or in other areas - and a second cadet will be appointed.  Cadet’s may be entry-level or graduate applicants. 

Under the supervision of Rachel Bin Salleh, the Cadetship program seeks to create a meaningful career pathway and leadership opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the industry.  

Magabala acknowledges that publishing is a unique profession, requiring both generalist and technical skills. By initiating a supportive and scaffolded on-the-job training program within Australia’s leading Indigenous publishing house, Magabala seeks to provide First Nations’ publishing professionals with the best possible chance to succeed in their careers. 

This project is supported by the State Government of Western Australia, Kimberley Development Commission.