Yawarj Mara - Strong Pathways (Canberra ACT)

Desert Pea Media and Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation are very proud to present the release of the short film 'Yawarj Mara - Strong Pathways'. Starring a collective of Indigenous community members, young people, Elders and Yerrabi Yurwang staff from Canberra ACT (Ngunnawal Country).

Back in October 2024, the DPM Creative Team were invited to Ngunnawal Country in Canberra, ACT by the good people at Yerrabi Yurwang - Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation (the only Ngunnawal-led Aboriginal Community Health Organisation). The project ran for two weeks and engaged young people and community members in a discussion around health and wellbeing, cultural identity and hope for a positive future.

‘Yawarj Mara’ is one of the media outcomes of the project. Exploring and celebrating the work of Yerrabi Yurwang, and the importance of Indigenous-led community services.

Desert Pea Media is a community-driven media organisation that has been working to amplify the voices of remote and regional communities in Australia for over two decades. Through innovative arts and digital media initiatives, Desert Pea Media empowers individuals to tell their stories and celebrate their unique perspectives. www.desertpeamedia.com

Yerrabi Yurwang strives to deliver quality culturally appropriate services to empower generations of Culturally strong and thriving Aboriginal Children and Families.

Collaboratively written and produced by Desert Pea Media, Yerrabi Yurwang staff (featuring music by Canberra-based artist GRIM TILLA) and local Indigenous young people and families. Supported by the Snow Foundation, ACT Government, Hands Across Canberra, and Chief Minister's Charitable Fund, Special thanks to the Ngunnawal People, and all Indigenous people involved in the production.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Toby Finlayson - Co-Director/Camera 2/Facilitator/Co-Writer/Co-Producer/Project Director
Samuel Vines - Co-Director/DOP/Editor/Effects/Colour Grading
Jannali Doncaster - Co-Director/ Co-Writer/Co-Facilitator
Anthony McIlwain - Music Producer/Sound Engineer/Co-Facilitator
Juman Al-Ramahi - Co-Facilitator/Co-Writer/Production Coordinator
Scott Large - General Manager/Co-Producer/Graphic Design
Nick Andrews - Colour Grading
Maurice Shipp - Yerrabi Yurwang Project Producer
Mitch Daley - Yerrabi Yurwang Aboriginal Youth Worker
Luke Heckenberg - Yerrabi Yurwang Aboriginal Youth Worker