Magabala Books is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Creative Development Scholarships. Congratulations to Gabby Williams, Logan Lockyer, Jade Goodwin and Marlaenie Haerewa. Due to the incredible caliber of applications we received this year, Magabala have also provided discretionary funding to storytellers Jasmin McCaughey, Michelle Hyde and Phoebe Grainer.

Magabala’s Creative Development Scholarships support emerging writers, illustrators and storytellers nurturing their creative development and cultivating a new wave of First Nations creators.

These four First Nations creators will be supported to complete creative development projects throughout 2025. The funding will support access to writing equipment and software, manuscript development and illustration mentorships. 

With over twenty scholarship applications this year, scholars are selected through a competitive application process and expressions of interest come from the many nations of “Australia”. 

Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship recipients:

Gabby Williams

Gabby is a proud Nyul Nyul teenager from Broome, who wrote her first book when she was nine years old. She left this book in her local school library for other kids to read, and this inspired her to continue writing. Her stories are heavily influenced by stories her Grandmother has told her and she likes to incorporate spirits into her stories.

Gabby will be mentored by Hairy Holes author and illustrator, Brenton E. McKenna.

Logan Lockyer

Logan is a young talented illustrator, artist and emerging stand-up comedian based in Broome.

Logan will be mentored by Hairy Holes author and illustrator Brenton E. McKenna.

Jade Goodwin

Jade is a proud Gamilaroi woman, who has illustrated 16 published books ranging from picture books to junior fiction. Jade is committed to diversity and representation, and believes every child should see themselves reflected in the pages of a book.

Jade will be supported to attend the Bologna Book Fair in 2025, and will travel from Italy to Paris to seek inspiration from Indigenous art in a global context.

Marlaenie Haerewa

Marlaenie is a proud Nyikina/Ngāti Porou woman from Derby. As an interdisciplinary artist, Marlaenie is a trained performer and award winning film producer.

Marlaenie will be supported to travel back on Nyikina country to develop her manuscript.

Magabala Creative Development Scholarships are made possible thanks to the generous support of our philanthropic program. For more information or to donate, see Support Us.