The first issue of this periodical contained the following statement of the publications aims:
'Lilley's Magazine, founded and edited by Norman Lilley, is an attempt to give sincerity without dullness; to print things that will exemplify the true Australianism, instead of the misconceptions or tawdry pretences that often pass under that name; to represent the best work of Australian writers and designers.
The work will be the best because it will be produced for the author's own pleasure, and not to suit some editor's badly-founded idea of what the public wants. Place will be given to many kinds of prose and verse, but there will not be much about motor cars or aeroplanes or other overdue subjects as the number of cups of coffee consumed by men of different nations in the course of a life-time.
Lilley's Magazine will not be an imitation or an echo of other publications. Besides those who have contributed to the present number, many other skilled Australians wil be represented. Work has been secured from those who have made a name and from other writers and artists who deserve recognition.
All work submittedwill have careful consideration. Payment will be made for everything used.
Lilley's Magazine will be as good as the best work of Australian writers and artists can make it, and that means a great deal. From the first the magazine will be well turned out, and with every considerable increase of support it will benefit in size, in added features and in other ways.
Readers of this announcement are asked, therefore, to order the magazine at once. They are also asked to withdraw their support if it does not bear out every word here written' (Vol.1, no. 1 (June) 1911: 45.)
Contributors included writers such as Hugh McCrae, Louisa Lawson, David McKee Wright and Victor Daley and artists such as Harry Julius, Claude Marquet and Hay Gye.
