Young Bega author an Indigenous role model

He is not sure which part of film-making he will specialise in during his Diploma course as he is keen to experience all aspects.

However, he thinks he may favour script writing as he has been a keen writer since he was a small child and published his first novel, Caterpillars and Butterflies, last  year while studying for the HSC.

He also won the 2012 Patrick White Young Indigenous Writers Award, a state-wide competition for an outstanding short story.

Gary is the eldest child of Gary Lonesborough (senior) and the late Franceen Dixon. 

He was born in Bega and has spent most of his life here so far.

He attended St Patrick’s Primary School in Bega, Lumen Christi Catholic College in Pambula Beach and Bega High School and he speaks highly of his teachers at all three schools, saying they were supportive and interested in their students.

Gary has won numerous awards as an Aboriginal role model for his fellow students along the way, as well as coaches’ awards and awards as best and fairest and best forward while representing the Bega Roosters Rugby League Club.

While at school, Gary was also a member of the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group established to increase the participation of Aboriginal students in education in the Bega Valley Shire.

He was awarded a scholarship from the Bega RSL sub-branch as a young person showing potential for the future.

He completed a school-based traineeship with Southern NSW Medicare Local and got his Certificate 3 in Health Services Assistance with the aim to become an Aboriginal health worker.

However, the lure of film-making may take Gary in another direction and he says he will always keep writing.

Caterpillars and Butterflies by GJ Lonesborough is available online from www.scribd.com and the Xlibris online bookstore.