Bin Salleh wins Pixie O’Harris Award
Rachel Bin Salleh has been named the recipient of 2025 Pixie O’Harris Hall of Fame Award, presented at the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) by the Australian Publishers Association (APA).
Bin Salleh is descended from the Nimunburr and Yawuru peoples of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. ‘She has worked in publishing for over 20 years and is passionate about Indigenous people telling their stories,’ added the APA.
Starting her career in publishing at Magabala Books in the 1990s, Bin Salleh became publisher in 2014. In 2025, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to literature.
In its announcement, the APA said: ‘Rachel has quietly changed the Australian publishing landscape. From Broome in WA, she has encouraged the Australian publishing industry to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, while also being incredibly generous in sharing her knowledge of publishing First Nations stories.’
‘Rachel is uncompromising in her commitment to Magabala’s ideal of “spreading the seeds of our culture”. Over her career, she has introduced generations of children to the riches of First Nations history, cultures, beliefs, hopes and truths,’ added the APA.
On receiving the award, Bin Salleh said: ‘I am honoured and deeply humbled to receive such an accolade from the judges and my peers in the industry. Thank you for your belief and support in this space, not only for me but also for Magabala Books and all those I work with.
‘Publishing stories, experiences and ways of being for First Nations children (and all our children) is one of the most important jobs we have. To create safe spaces, develop imaginations, challenge the status quo, and to let children laugh like no one is listening, sustains my journey on this planet. It has been a joy and a privilege to serve my community.’
The Pixie O’Harris Award recognises publishers, editors, creators, booksellers, publicists and other industry representatives who have worked consistently in the field of children’s literature, demonstrated commitment beyond the call of duty, and developed a reputation for their contribution. The 2024 winner was Jane Godwin.
Shortlists for the ABIA book awards and business awards were announced last month. The Hall of Fame Awards will be presented at the ABIA ceremony at Zinc Fed Square in Naarm/Melbourne on Wednesday, 7 May.
Category: Awards Local news
