Gary Lonesborough

Where were you born?

I was born in Bega, on the far south coast of New South Wales (yes, where the cheese comes from).

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve worked in a few roles in the community, including as a trainee Aboriginal health worker, a disability support worker, an outreach worker, and I also interned as a Post-Production Sound Assistant on the feature film adaptation of Jasper Jones.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Identity is always at the centre of my writing – cultural and sexual identity. Other themes that often appear are the importance of family, friends and relationships, social issues such as racism, homophobia and inequality.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Having my book, THE BOY FROM THE MISH, published! Another highlight was winning a Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowship and getting the chance to spend a week at the Varuna Writer’s House in Katoomba in 2020.

Where have your works been published?

Australia and New Zealand (and North America in early 2022). The audiobook is also available through Audible.com.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about writing, of course, and telling stories where young Aboriginal people can see themselves on the page.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I was lucky enough to land three TV appearances for my book in February – Studio 10, NITV News and ABC Weekends Breakfast.