Mark Bin Bakar facts for kids

Mark Bin Bakar is an Indigenous Australian artist from Broome, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. He is a talented musician, comedian, and radio host. Mark is also a writer, director, and producer. He is well-known for his work helping Indigenous people.

Mark is most famous for his character, Mary G. Mary G is a funny and outspoken character who has become very popular across Australia. She has hosted a radio show and a TV show on SBS Television. People sometimes compare Mary G to another famous Australian character, Dame Edna Everage.

Mark Bin Bakar's Career

Mary G's Journey

Mark Bin Bakar created the character Mary G. Mary G represents a woman from the Stolen Generations, like Mark's mother. The Stolen Generations refers to a sad time in Australia's history. During this time, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were taken from their families.

The Mary G show has been performed in many places. This includes the famous Sydney Opera House. It has also been part of festivals and conferences all over Australia. The show has even visited small, remote communities. This helps bring entertainment and important messages to people everywhere.

Mark still hosts the Mary G radio show. It is on for three hours every Wednesday night. The show is broadcast to over 100 radio stations. This happens through the National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS). NIRS is a network that shares Indigenous radio programs. Mark also travels around Australia with his live comedy show. He can do both because he carries a portable radio studio with him!

Mark's Music and Teaching

Mark Bin Bakar started a big music event called Stompen Ground. This event was held in Broome and shown on TV across Australia. In 2005, his character Mary G won a Deadly Award. This award was for her excellent music in a film or theatre show. Deadly Awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mark is a skilled musician himself. He was part of Indigenous bands in Western Australia. These bands included 'Section 54' and 'Footprince'. About 20 years ago, Mark started Ab Music in Perth. Ab Music is a special place. It teaches Aboriginal people how to become musicians.

Mark's Activism and Advocacy

Mark Bin Bakar has worked hard to help the Stolen Generations. He has been involved in seeking justice for them. He even chaired the Kimberley Stolen Generations Corporation. This group helps people affected by the Stolen Generations. Mark has also made two music albums with songs about this important topic. He was also a leader in the 'Stolen Generations Alliance' when it started in 2006.

In 2007, Mark did a special three-hour show. He performed with The Pigram Brothers and other musicians. This concert took place inside the Berrimah Prison in Darwin. It was broadcast live across the NIRS Network. This was the first time a 'jail concert' was broadcast nationally. In 2009, he also performed at a concert for Aboriginal reconciliation. Reconciliation means bringing people together after conflict.

Mark has given many important speeches. In 2007, he spoke at Parliament House in Canberra. This was on Sorry Day. Sorry Day is a day to remember and say sorry for the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians.

Awards and Recognition

Mark Bin Bakar has received several important awards for his work. In 2007, he was named the NAIDOC Person of the Year. This award recognized all his efforts and contributions. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Also in 2007, Mark was named "West Australian of the Year." This made him a finalist for the "Australian of the Year" award in 2008. These awards show how much his community and country appreciate his work.