| | | | Desert Pea Media is excited to announce that we have partnered with the North Coast NSW Primary Health Network (NCPHN) and will be facilitating our program Break it Down - Community Conversations around Mental Health in eight communities across North Coast NSW in 2019 and 2020.
The Break it Down program is a community led youth mental health literacy program, focusing on wellbeing and drug and alcohol prevention. DPM’s proven methodology provides a safe and positive environment for families and young people in communities to explore and discuss their concerns, challenges, hopes and vision for the future. This includes working with the local community, local health providers and education providers, with the guidance of Knowledge Holders and Elders. The program includes a series of collaborative engagement workshops and content development activities which result in production of professional music and film content - informed and directed by local Original Nations community. This material will raise awareness, educate and ‘break down’ the stigmas attached to mental health, addiction and wellbeing to support Original Nations communities to improve and achieve positive social and emotional well-being outcomes.
Toby Finlayson, DPM’s CEO and Creative Director, said, 'we are really excited to be bringing the ‘Break It Down’ projects to the Northern Rivers communities. The work that is created in these projects becomes a long-term tool for communities and service providers, as a social well-being, cultural and educational resource.'
This will be the third Break It Down series funded by the Primary Health Network, following on from our first series in Western NSW, and a second ongoing series in Far North Queensland.
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| We are proud to announce the launch of a brand new soulful, funk/hip-hop track Pmara Nurnaka from Ntaria Connect, a group of young Original Nations artists from the community of Ntaria (Hermannsberg) in Western Aranda country, NT.
Check out the solid vocals throughout from these talented young people from a community with a unique and diverse singing tradition, and wait for the super smooth guitar riff to kick in. Plus the stunning visuals of their home! - Western Aranda country in the red heart of Australia. Pmara marra nurnaka (our country is good) Nurna marra tnyinitjika (we have to look after our country).
The group has evolved from a storytelling project with Ntaria School students, community members and local Elders with a strong bi-lingual focus. The project was funded by the Namatjira Legacy Trust on behalf of the Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre and facilitated/directed by our crew here at Desert Pea Media. This track is an important contemporary expression of culture and country and a celebration of connection, family and community. Congratulations to everybody involved!
Special thanks to Project Managers Sophia Marinos, Koren Wheatley and David Roennfeldt, Aunty Rosabelle Namatjira, Uncle Marcus Wheeler, Aunty Betty Wheeler, Uncle Mostyn Kentiltja and Uncle Georgia Kentiltja. Big thanks to Ntaria School for your hospitality and all the community members for making us feel welcome, sharing your stories and teaching us about your country and community.
Click on the image above to hear what Ntaria Connect have for you.... |
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| We spent two weeks with an amazingly talented musical community in Ngoonbi (Kuranda) on Djabugay country, Far North QLD - amongst rainforest high on an escarpment behind Cairns. We worked on a music video and two short films with a deadly mob - and can’t wait to show you what we have created together!
There was such a stand out strong group of Elders and community members (aunties, uncles, friends and service providers) that came along and supported us through the storytelling process and got to see the magic unfold - witnessing the kids writing lyrics for their song - weaving in both Djabugay and English - busting out a yarn that was important to them, and bringing so much energy and attitude to the music video shoot - Big Ups Crew!
We had the honour of hearing from Uncle Barry, a proud Djabugay man and a respected Elder who knows the value in teaching language to his kids and grandkids, so that they can pass it on to their kids. In our first short film, Uncle Barry and some of the fellas from the Bulmba Rangers share their yarn on how language connects communities together and strengthens individual identity.
Our second short film focuses on strong and resilient women in Ngoombi – and the importance of sitting around and yarning up with your aunties, sisters, cousins and nan's – listening to each others stories and supporting each other through life’s up’s and downs. Thank you for what you shared with us and making us feel so welcomed.
Big love to the Bamanundji (local mob) out here in Kuranda for all their support in leading this process, local organsiations Ngoonbi Community Services Indigenous Corporation and Rise and to our partners, Northern Queensland PHN working with us on this super special project using the creative processes of songwriting and film making to continue the yarn, right way, about mental health and well-being. |
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| Each month we feature a short film from Western NSW as part of the Break It Down: Community Conversations Around Mental Health' series, funded by the Western NSW Primary Health Network. This month is Krista Kirby's yarn - 'That Extra Support', from Condobolin NSW.
Being a parent and making those tough decisions, is one of the hardest parts of the job. Especially, when you have to speak up about your child’s mental health. Krista Kirby is both a mum, an active member of her community and a reminder that - even though a problem exists, it’s still difficult for people to acknowledge it. If her child was having mental health issues, Krista wouldn’t sit around and wait for help. Her advice to all of us is to have the conversation, and if it feels like the issue is bigger than you know how to deal with, seek out that help to ensure that your child gets the support they need to make it through. Watch it here. |
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PETER ABRAHAMS - FACILITATOR
Peter is a South African Australian. He was raised in a family of anti-Apartheid activists, the founders of the District Six Museum, In Cape Town. The museum works with the memories of the District Six forced removals which took place in the late 1960’s.
Peter was one of the first black DJ’s to play to the inaugural racially integrated dance floors of the new post-Apartheid democracy. Peter has been working with marginalised youth for over a decade. His training as a coach and facilitator of Thinking Environments, enables him to create spaces of deep connection enabling courageous thinking, feeling and being. He believes that young people have valuable perspectives to offer us in a time of global crisis, and he thrives on igniting their expression and creativity. |
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Create your own song using one of DPM Music Producer Hazy's exclusive beats.
"Kick back to this RNB beat, - great for singing and collaborating with another artist. Try something different with your writing. All different flows will work well with this song"
Click here to download your beats. |
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DESERT DIVA MUSIC DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS - Alice Springs NT
Calling all Indigenous women and older girls in Alice Springs who love singing, songwriting, rapping and performing to join MusicNT's Desert Divas Music Development Workshops! Workshop dates are July 24 & 31, August 7, 14 and then 19 through to 23 from 5:30 - 8:30pm. The final showcase will be held at The Black Wreath from 7PM on August 24. The workshops will be facilitated by local talent and Guest Mentor Shellie Morris. Contact Liz or Jessie on (08) 8952 0322 or email liz@musicnt.com.auto register your interest.
PROJECT AND DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS
Aimed at early career artists in South Australia, Carclew’s Project & Development grants are for the realisation of creative projects, skills development, and career progression. This includes activities like access to cultural heritage and the funds to have a mentor. Applications for activity occurring in 2020 will open in July and close on 1 September 2019. Check it out here.
Do you have a arts, music or film opportunity for Original Nations young people and communities you would like us to share in our monthly newsletter? Contact us at admin@desertpeamedia.com |
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| By joining our monthly giving program – Step Up – you will help us to re-engage hundreds of marginalised young people with community, culture and country. Desert Pea Media Association Incorporated is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) so all donations can be considered tax deductible. Just click on the link to donate. |
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