| | | | Dear DPM friends and fam
Welcome to the June 2024 Edition of the DPM Newsletter! It’s been a busy period for our small team, and we’re excited to get you up to speed.
We’ve got some new works from community coming soon, and some exciting internal development happening behind the scenes.
Consolidating, strengthening and visioning DPM in 2024 and ongoing.
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| The 2024 EOFY is upon us already, and DPM has an incredible range of projects, mentoring initiatives, and internal development processes that need our community’s support.
If you’re interested in contributing and creating more opportunities for positive change in the lives of young Indigenous people - then make a tax-deductible donation by June 30.
Invest in DPM, join the family and be a part of creating a positive and inclusive future for all!
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| The Crossroads Project is done and dusted. We’ve completed an Independent Evaluation, submitted the final reporting and made a short film about the project!
For a quick summary: The CROSSROADS Project was an innovative community engagement program designed by Desert Pea Media (DPM) and co-produced by local Indigenous organisations and services in Bourke and Moree NSW. The project focus is on Identity and Wellbeing through Culture and Creativity - with a focus on community engagement, especially with Indigenous young people (16-25) and their families.
CROSSROADS is a new iteration of DPM’s work – focusing on more long-term, foundation-building engagement, where participants are led through a process of cultural education, leadership and training, mentoring, inter-community cultural exchange and skills development.
In 2024, Melbourne-based research agency ‘Think Impact’ were engaged to design tools and metrics and conduct interviews with participants, families & community and project partners/services to measure social impact against the Crossroads ‘Theory Of Change’.
DPM staff Scott Large and Toby Finlayson went out to Bourke and Moree in Jan/Feb 2024 with two Think Impact Researchers, who conducted interviews with participants/ family members/ community/ Elders and project partners. Think Impact also did some follow-up online and phone interviews for those that weren’t available during the community visits.
From this feedback, along with outcomes and metrics, Think Impact have produced an Evaluation Report which showed some key findings: - Strong community relationships in Bourke and Moree
- Inclusive, positive and relevant to young people
- Centred around Culture, song and storytelling
- Adaptable and flexible
- High quality productions
- A positive catalyst for change
- Celebrating Culture and Community
- Building a culture of creativity
- A shared positive experience for the whole community
- Community connections through a celebration of Culture
- Supporting local creative industries and enterprise
- Community pride in young people – challenging stereotypes
- More positive community narratives
- Exploring and expressing big social issues
Key Recommendations: - Continue to focus on longer term funding models that will support lasting community impact
- Strengthen project planning with community partners
- Ensure participant engagement process is clear
The documentary CROSSROADS: REFLECTIONS will be released in July.
Big thanks to Office of Regional Youth (Dept of Regional NSW) for their funding through "Our Region, Our Voice".
Massive Thanks to our community partners:
Moree: Just Reinvest, Miyay Birray Youth Service, Miihi Arts Foundation, Arts North West, Moree Plains Shire Council
Bourke: Maragnuka and the Bourke Tribal Council, Bourke High School, St. Ignatius, 2Cuz FM.
We’re also pumped to partner with a range of brands and businesses, to help us develop a new generation of young, grassroots, community-led, Indigenous storytellers. Big thanks to- RØDE Microphones Technical Audio Group , Canon Australia SUNSTUDIOS Zoom Australia Focusrite |
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| The development of DPM’s exciting new project model in 2023/24 has created an opportunity for reflection, review and strategy.
In April 2024 the DPM Board of Directors returned to Wiradjuri Country for an important Board-level Strategic Planning Session. DPM was hosted by the good people at the Bathurst Wiradjuri Elders Group @ Charles Sturt University (where DPM began back in 2002) for two days of reflection and strategy – looking at our learnings from the last few years and our direction for the future.
The weekend in Bathurst prompted a second ‘Visioning Session’ with DPM’s Executive Team, Co-Founders and Indigenous Staff on Bundjalung Country in Brunswick Heads, NSW. This grassroots, creative exercise focused on our Vision and Mission, and making sure our audiences and strategic direction are aligned with our social impact.
It’s an exciting moment for DPM as we navigate an organisational shift to more long-term, legacy-building projects that build foundation and sustainability in community.
Get in touch to find out more, and how this project model could look in YOUR community. |
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In May 2024, a DPM team hit the road once again to Bourke NSW to deliver another songwriting & music video production with students at Bourke High School.
’28 On Top’ - collective of young Indigenous students have been working on creative projects this year with OG members of groundbreaking community hip hop group ‘B-Town Warriors’ (People of the Red Sunset, Thundercloud, My Generation).
The CROSSROADS projects (2023) in Bourke created employment pathways for young people at the local High School. Original B-Town Warriors members are now working weekly on new creative projects with current students and even facilitating Desert Pea Media projects in neighbouring communities.
"Our work in Bourke and Moree over the past couple of decades, and more recently through 'The Crossroads Project' has been an incredible journey of connection and transformation” says Toby Finlayson, Creative Director of Desert Pea Media.
“It’s an honour to watch these young people grow, not only as artists and creatives but as people. The power of music and media to bridge gaps, create healing and amplify unheard voices is immeasurable. The legacy of DPM’s work in Bourke is well-known in this region. Hopefully we can create a model where the older crew inspire the younger students, and they in turn become leaders and role models for future generations” (Murray Cronin – Executive Principal, Bourke High School)
The new project – titled ‘All That You Need’ is due for release in next week - June 28th.
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There has never been a more valuable time to support the work of NFP’s and charity organisations in Australia. Our new website offers a new, and exciting way for the DPM fam to contribute to our work with Original Nations young people in an authentic and impactful way. ‘DPM Connect’ is a new network for supporters and collaborators to directly uplift Desert Pea Media’s work. For Individuals: A monthly donation campaign is a new opportunity to become part of the DPM Connect network, and receive exclusive updates, PR and marketing resources, and exclusive pre-release screenings of our media and music outcomes. For Businesses: A one-off or monthly donation campaign is a new opportunity to become part of the DPM Connect network, and receive exclusive updates, PR and marketing resources, and exclusive pre-release screenings of our media and music outcomes. This is a new way to connect directly with DPM and support the projects in communities we work with. All donations are 100% tax deductible and go directly to creating opportunities for Original Nations young people to connect with community, culture, country, and creativity. |
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There has never been a more valuable time to support the work of NFP’s and charity organisations in Australia. Our new website offers a new, and exciting way for the DPM fam to contribute to our work with Original Nations young people in an authentic and impactful way. ‘DPM Connect’ is a new network for supporters and collaborators to directly uplift Desert Pea Media’s work. For Individuals: A monthly donation campaign is a new opportunity to become part of the DPM Connect network, and receive exclusive updates, PR and marketing resources, and exclusive pre-release screenings of our media and music outcomes. For Businesses: A one-off or monthly donation campaign is a new opportunity to become part of the DPM Connect network, and receive exclusive updates, PR and marketing resources, and exclusive pre-release screenings of our media and music outcomes. This is a new way to connect directly with DPM and support the projects in communities we work with. All donations are 100% tax deductible and go directly to creating opportunities for Original Nations young people to connect with community, culture, country, and creativity. |
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