| | Desert Pea Media have been on the road in Far North QLD as part of our 'Break it Down - Community Conversations around Mental Health' program - yarning with young people about looking after our social and emotional well-being. We have made new friends, been inspired by the talent, strength and resilience of the young people and their communities. We have felt so welcomed into Bowen and Kuranda – the first two of five communities we are working with in the region. On the shores of the Coral Sea and the stunning Great Barrier Reef, the crew from Bowen showed us the goods on beautiful Juru country. Not only were their some staunch rappers and legends with killer voices – there were deadly dancers that shared some family dances with us. We can’t wait for you to hear what these young deadly Juru custodians have for you. In Ngoombi, Kuranda –it was amazing to see how much Djabugay language these kids knew – and writing traditional language into the lyrics of their song was an empowering process for all involved. The young people brought so much energy and attitude to the music shoot, and a solid group of community members aunties, uncles, friends, service providers were with us the whole way – the vibes were high. We will keep you posted about our next projects in Palm Island, Thursday Island and Lockhart River. We are totally pumped for the upcoming music and short film releases from these vibrant and diverse communities. Thanks again to our partners the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network. *The Break it Down program is a community led Original Nation youth mental health literacy program, focusing on wellbeing and drug and alcohol prevention. The program is made up of a series of collaborative engagement workshops and content development activities which result in production of professional media content. The activities create inter-generational dialogue, and help participants to articulate an innovative conversation and break down stigmas attached to mental health. |
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In May the DPM crew were working on a very different sort of project with a bunch of legends in Townsville, home to the Bindal, the Wulgurukaba people. As part of a Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services (TAIS) Lighthouse Program, 12 young people undertook a 5 week Love Bites program exploring what it means to have and be in healthy relationships. DPM were invited to facilitate a one week workshop at the end of that 5 weeks to write a song and shoot a music video with the young people - based on the content of the program. We were absolutely blown away when we heard some of the finest MCEEs and soul singers we’ve heard in a long time – and the group. delivered a FIRE track - talkin’ about safe and healthy relationships. We think Desert Pea might have just workshopped its first ever love song! We had yarns with Uncle Alfred Smallwood and Aunty Gail Mabo and made awesome connections with the staff and young people at Townsville Aboriginal & Islander Health Services (TAIHS). Thanks for having us, we wouldn’t be here without you. |
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Each and every one of our projects and the young people we work with, leave a special something in our hearts and minds. But once in a while, we are given the opportunity to work intensively with kids who've done it tougher than most, so tough we aren't able to identify them on film. And these projects are life changing for both our team, and the young people who participate in them. For two weeks in April we worked with a group of deadly young people in western NSW creating a music production. Also, we created short films and a documentary with intimate stories that speak to the reality of life and the possibilities of the future. This project was generously funded by Family and Community Services NSW (FACS) and hosted by community based not-for-profit Veritas House. |
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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 Will's yarn - 'Rock Bottom', from Wellington NSW. Depression is one of the most debilitating illnesses around, and no one understands this more than Will Hill. Due to racism at school, and a consequent disconnect from culture, Will found himself in a suffocating “dark hole” of poor mental health. When things were at their absolute worst, Will had a choice. Thankfully, he made the right one, and what we are left with is a remarkable story of courage and strength. Will reached out to his elders and found power in the culture that makes him who he is. "Now I write new song-lines with old words. Reconnecting to an identity that was stolen from us. These songlines are for my people". Will now teaches and supports young people sharing his journey of reconnection and giving them a rock solid foundation to get through their lives. |
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JANNALI DONCASTER - CO/WRITER, TRAINEE FACILITATOR Jannali Doncaster is a proud warrior who stands with his Bundjalung nation. He is of the Yaegl clan which spreads along the Clarence river to the the sea at Yamba. Jannali has been dancing traditionally around Australia since he was 15. He has a Cert III in Music and has facilitated cultural workshops in schools, universities and festivals. He has a passion for culture for Indigenous youth and has representing his people at Burning Man Festival, USA with up-and-coming Indigenous-orientated hip-hop crew Indigenoise. He has dedicated a significant space in his life to the oldest culture in the world and created a platform where he can share this gift with the masses. |
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Create your own song using one of DPM Music Producer Hazy's exclusive beats. "This month I've worked with the mob from Djabuganydji, Bulwanydji, Nyagali, Yirrganydji and Gulunydji Nation in Kuranda, in the rainforest regions of Far North Queensland. Reggae is a big part of there music and love - it's also a big part of mine. Heres a funky Hiphop Reggae beat to vibe to. ONE LOVE.. Click here to download your beats. |
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JESSE COX AUDIO FELLOWSHIP - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. A new annual $20,000 fellowship, in honour of Jesse Cox is available to support audio stories that are creative, innovative, ambitious, brave - storytelling that amplifies diverse and unrepresented voices. Applications are now open, and close July 30th. Check it out here. INDIGENOUS PRODUCERS PROGRAM - SCREEN AUSTRALIA The Indigenous Producer Program is for people who are committed to building a career in the screen industry as a producer. The program will involve mentorship and placement, and four tailored workshops that cover all aspects of producing over 12 months. Applications now open, and close 28th June. 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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