Mark Bin Bakar

Indigenous arts leader

2008 WA Australian of the Year

Known to many across Australia as the multi-media personality Mary G, Mark Bin Bakar has dedicated much of his adult life to increasing cultural understanding and working tirelessly to present an insight into Indigenous culture. Mark has created many opportunities for Indigenous musicians, including establishing the very successful music school Abmusic twenty years ago. As the self-effacing, flamboyant, and powerful ‘Queen of the Kimberley,’ he has become a national cult figure while also raising awareness of important social issues facing Indigenous people. As well as his nationally broadcast radio show, Mark travels extensively throughout remote areas talking to people about alcohol and drug abuse, health care, emotional wellbeing, respect for elders, domestic violence, and instilling a sense of pride back into the wider community.  In 2007, he was recognised as National NAIDOC Person of the Year.