Bebe Oliver

Bebe is a Bardi Jawi award-winning author, poet and illustrator.

As a leading advocate for Aboriginal advancement and self-determination, he is deeply committed to the empowerment and visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators. Bebe is the Artistic Director and CEO of Blak & Bright, and the Deputy Chair of Magabala Books, demonstrating his drive for literary excellence and cultural representation. 

Bebe’s highly celebrated and widely published work explores love, loss, identity, the intersection of Aboriginal and gay existence, and the rich tapestry of place and Country, making him a compelling and transformative voice in contemporary literature. 

Bebe’s newest book, if this is the end (Magabala Books, 2024) is regarded as a fearless and honest exploration of identity, and “a queer Blak classic”. 

What does NAIDOC mean to you?

NAIDOC gives us space to breathe, gather, celebrate and honour everything we carry and protect. We’ve been silenced and pushed to the edges. We’ve spent generations justifying our existence and answering questions we never should’ve had to. But our presence speaks louder than any doubt, and NAIDOC shines a light on our pride and survival. We’re not going anywhere.