Jake Gablonski is a gay Australian media presenter, speaker and author. Raised in Katherine in the Northern Territory and proud of his Wiradjuri heritage, Jake will be entertaining us soon with a storytime reading at our upcoming NSW Family Pride event, featuring his beautiful new book Brave like Bunji.
Date: Sunday 31 May 2026
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: Marrickville Library Pavilion, Marrickville NSW
We spoke to Jake about what inspired his new children's book:
Bunji runs away from school feeling lost and out of place. Was there a moment from your own childhood that sparked this story?
Bunji navigating his feelings comes from a mix of moments rather than one single memory. Growing up, there were times when I felt unsure, or like I didn’t quite fit the space I was in. That feeling of not having the words yet to explain what’s going on is something many young people experience. Brave Like Bunji grew from wanting to gently explore that feeling, and to show that it’s okay to pause, to feel lost, and to find your way back with support.
Wally the rainbow lorikeet was a real part of your life growing up. What did he mean to you, and how did he become Wylla in the story?
Wally was a big personality in our house. He lived freely, outside of a cage, and certainly knew how to make it known what he wanted. As a kid, I loved how bold he was, loud, colourful, and full of presence. When creating Wylla, I wanted to capture that same spirit. Wylla carries Wally’s confidence and warmth, and is a reminder to be yourself.
The story is set on the lands of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples in the Katherine region. What does that place mean to you, and why was it important to set Bunji’s adventure there?
Katherine is home to me in a deep, lasting way. It’s the place that raised me, shaped my values, and taught me about community, care and connection. Setting Bunji’s journey there was important because I wanted to offer a nod to the comfort and strength the Katherine region gave me. Acknowledging the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples is also important, as it is their Country, and their enduring presence and connection remind me that belonging can be woven through land and community.
You've spoken about wearing your true colours with pride. What do you hope kids take away from Bunji's journey when they hear it at our Family Pride storytime in May?
I hope kids hear that feeling different, or still figuring things out, is absolutely okay. I want them to know that their feelings are there to help them stay connected to themselves, that their voice matters, and that they don’t need to dim themselves to belong. At Family Pride storytime especially, I hope children see that love, support and bravery come in many forms, and that showing your true colours is something to be proud of.
Samantha Campbell's illustrations are stunning. What was it like seeing your story come to life through her art?
It was incredibly moving. Sam brought so much warmth, depth and emotion to the story, often in ways I didn’t expect. It has been beautiful seeing how creative she was in visualising Bunji, Wylla and the setting through her illustrations. It added new layers to the story and has made it feel alive. Her art invites readers in, giving them space to feel, notice details, and connect in their own way.
What would you say to a child who is feeling a bit like Bunji right now, a little lost or unsure of where they belong?
I would want them to know that support is all around them, even if things sometimes feel a bit heavy or confusing. Feeling lost often means you’re learning more about yourself. It’s okay to ask for help, to share how you’re feeling, or to take time to find what feels right. You belong just as you are, and there are people and places who will meet you with care. Its important to share with those people that care.