About us

WHAT DO WE DO ?

Magpie Publishers is a strong advocate of Aboriginal education for both Aboriginal people and the wider community.

The British invasion of Australia was catastrophic for the Aboriginal people. Many people lost their lives and many others lost their culture. The British colonisation process caused a great deal of suffering and pain to Aboriginal people. Our books are one small effort to help make amends for that damage.

Steve's stories are works of historical fiction that marry history, local Dreaming stories, romance and action together to recreate the lives of the Nyangbal people and the events that befell them in the 1800s in Ballina, on the Far North Coast of NSW. The stories celebrate Aboriginal people and their culture, and explore the damage done to them during the British invasion of Australia.

There are three books in the series called 'Australia's Black History'. The first book is, 'The Magpie and the Snake'. It recounts what life must have been like in Bullinaa before the settlers arrived. The sequel is, 'Savages'. It's a truth telling that recounts the devastating impact of the British invasion on the Aboriginal people of Bullinaa. The third book, 'Gawngan and the Marriage Tree', is a standalone chapter book that of an event that occurs between the two books. It recounts the story of Gawngan and a challenge she must face alone.

If you like stories about Aboriginal culture and historical fiction beautiful, funny and tragic – or even if you like stories that offer us a more connected way of being and more sustainable way of living on this planet – then you'll love Steve's books. Head on over to the store and check them out today.

WHO ARE WE ?

Magpie Publishers was established in 2021 to publish ‘The Magpie and the Snake’ the first novel by Australian author Steve Trotter. Owned and operated by the author himself, Steve hopes to use some of the profits to help local Indigenous authors publish their works.

Click below to connect with the Nyangbal mob and arrange a tour of their Country.