Alizzi named 2025 Rising Star

Arlie Alizzi has been named the Australian publishing industry’s 2025 Rising Star.

Alizzi is a Yugambeh editor, writer, researcher and anti-racism educator based in Rubibi/Broome and works as an editor at Magabala Books. His work has appeared in the Sydney Review of Books, Liminal Magazine, the Saturday Paper, ABC News, and Overland.

The judging panel, which included Robert Watkins (Ultimo Press), Jackie Money (Melbourne University Publishing), Terri-ann White (Upswell Publishing) and Mizz De Zoysa-Lewis (Insight Publications), selected Alizzi from a shortlist of six.

‘[Alizzi] plays an integral and unique role in the industry,’ said the judges. ‘It’s clear he’s both beloved at Magabala and also a shining star in their workforce. The descriptions of Arlie working outside of his departmental role are a key indicator of Rising Star status … people who are curious enough and care enough to make initiative to work on matters outside of their role descriptor are the ones who truly make a workplace special.’

Alizzi accepted the award via Zoom at the BookUp conference in Sydney on 7 August 2025.

In his acceptance speech, Alizzi said, ‘I want to acknowledge the Yawuru people from whose land I’m calling in from today, and the other shortlistees, particularly my co-worker Melena Cole-Manolis who sits next to me in the Magabala office. I read all of your interviews and I think this is a really lovely award, thanks to the Magabala board and authors and the marketing team who put me up for the award.’

The annual award, administered by the Australian Publishers Association, recognises ‘emerging talent in the Australian publishing industry, and is open to Australian publishing professionals who have been part of the industry for no more than 10 years’.

Last year’s winner was Riikka Dunn from Alliance Distribution Services.

More information about Alizzi and the award is available on the APA website.

Category: Awards Local news