Dr Melanie Saward has been nominated for a First Nations Leadership and Engagement Award as part of the Brisbane Pride Awards. This award recognises First Nations LGBTQIA+ individuals who have made meaningful contributions through advocacy or activism for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Mel’s most recent book, A Good Kind of Trouble, co-authored with Brooke Blurton, is a powerful young adult novel about a young, Aboriginal queer girl growing up in a country town. She is also the author of Love Unleashed, a romantic comedy for adults that centres on Aboriginal queer experiences.
Through her writing, Mel champions visibility and representation for First Nations LGBTQIA+ voices. Her nomination reflects a broader commitment to using storytelling as a tool for change. She hopes that winning the award will bring greater visibility to her work and help amplify her advocacy for a more diverse and equitable publishing industry—one where all voices are heard and valued.
Voting for the Brisbane Pride Awards is open to the public, and it’s a popular vote—so every vote counts! Make sure to cast your vote via this link: 64th Annual Brisbane Pride Queens Ball Awards Voting by Sunday, 25 May 2025, to support Mel and help amplify her work.
