Two of Australia's leading First Nations-owned literary organisations, Magabala Books and Blak & Bright, have launched First Stories Collective, a national network for Blak storytelling and publishing.
The Collective will bring together writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, cultural leaders and other literary professionals to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, deliver advocacy and professional development, grow culturally grounded pathways, and create long-term change across the literary sector.
Registration is now open for Blak creators from every corner of the country, across all genres and storytelling mediums to join the Collective.
"Story is more than a product," said Bebe Oliver, Blak & Bright chief executive and artistic director.
"It's a living relationship to Country, culture, community, ancestors and future generations.
"Through First Stories Collective, we have ambitious goals to nurture the Blak creative ecosystem so that First Nations stories and storytellers are respected, properly supported and able to thrive on their own terms."
Magabala Books CEO Lilly Brown said "our vision is to futureproof the opportunities that exist for First Nations storytellers".
"We've created First Stories Collective to connect First Nations creators and publishing professionals to share knowledge and shape the future of the sector," Ms Brown said.
"Through collective advocacy, we seek to influence safer, fairer and more accountable publishing practices, and create a stronger future for First Nations voices and stories."
Funded by Creative Australia, First Stories Collective's work will span four connected pillars, including gathering and connection, opportunity and access, visibility and exchange and leadership and sector change.
Supporters of the Collective are encouraged to stand alongside Blak creatives through financial, in-kind and advocacy support, to help build the infrastructure First Nations literature deserves, resource Blak-led opportunities and sustain long-term sector change.
Blak writers, creators and publishers are invited to join the Collective to find out about upcoming activities and opportunities, with the first national gathering taking place in Maganjdin/Brisbane in November 2026.
Members can share their needs and wants with the Collective, and learn about future gatherings, development opportunities, funding and ways to contribute.
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