Contributors

Trevor Fourmile, also known as Bumi (‘lightning flash’), is a proud Gimuy Walubara Yidinji man from the Cairns region, whose storytelling lights up hearts and minds across Australia.

As co-author of the Aware Bear books for National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, and National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, Trevor brings cultural depth, warmth, and wisdom to every page.

Trevor is also the celebrated author of beloved children’s titles such as How the Cassowary Got Its Helmet, which weaves the magic of the coastal rainforest into traditional tales, and Gurril, Storm Bird, shortlisted for the 2024 Karajia Award for Children’s Literature in Picture Fiction. His Well-being Walkabout cards earned national recognition, winning the 2023 Educational Publishing Australia Award in the Student Resource category. Trevor is the playwright behind the stage adaptation of his award-winning children’s book Gurril, Storm Bird. Brought to life at QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival, this powerful production blends traditional storytelling with theatrical magic.

As a School Engagement Lead Officer and passionate educator, Trevor is deeply committed to sharing his Yidinji heritage and fostering understanding through storytelling. His work aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Aware Bear series—championing inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and respect for diversity.

Trevor’s captivating narratives invite young readers to connect with their communities, explore the richness of Australia’s First Nations cultures, and embrace the beauty of ancient stories that continue to shape our shared future.

Joshua Gilbert is a Worimi man deeply connected to his heritage and passionate about driving positive change for Indigenous communities. He brings extensive experience in Indigenous affairs, environmental sustainability and social impact to his work.

Josh is a strategic leader who believes in empowering communities through education and understanding. His current roles as Indigenous Co-Chair of Reconciliation NSW and board member for various organisations highlight his dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Acknowledgement of Country

Aware Bear deeply values the Traditional Custodians of this land and is proud to incorporate an Acknowledgement of Country into our publications. This reflects our ongoing commitment to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ profound connection to Country and to create a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging and cultural understanding is fostered.

We have worked with Joshua Gilbert to develop the agreed statement below to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians, contribute to reconciliation, and raise awareness of their rich history and culture.

Stories have been told across these lands forever. Sharing wisdom, culture and knowledge between First Nations peoples has happened for eternity. We at Aware Bear acknowledge the many stories that flow across these lands, which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples preserve as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We pay our deepest respect to Elders, past and present, and join in celebrating the importance of stories for future generations.