‘CROSSROADS_ REFLECTIONS’ - Documentary (Bourke and Moree NSW)

Added by Desert Pea Media

Description A new documentary presented by Desert Pea Media (DPM) ‘Crossroads: Reflections’ based in Moree & Bourke NSW, follows the story of the CROSSROADS PROJECT - a group of young Indigenous people in remote NSW, learning the craft of storytelling, creating impactful change, and building a positive future for their communities.

Moree & Bourke NSW. These remote, riverside towns in Regional NSW have been under the spotlight in recent years - amidst a so-called ‘youth crime epidemic’ in the Western region.

Charity organisation Desert Pea Media (DPM) has been running programs with Indigenous young people around the region for over 20 Years. Using creative processes and digital storytelling to create conversations around social change – exploring themes of cultural identity, community connection, hope, purpose and wellbeing.

Darrel Smith – CEO of Moree-based youth agency Mirray Birray said, “Our communities are continuously misrepresented by the mainstream media – focusing on negative stories that perpetuate racial stereotypes and bias. Youth crime is undeniably an issue, but the roots of the problem begin below the surface, and this consistently negative, reactive media isn’t helping our community”.

‘Crossroads: Reflections’ will be released on July and tells the story of a 12-month DPM project in Bourke and Moree NSW – demonstrating compelling and measurable social impact for young people and communities.

This is the story of a new generation of grassroots storytellers, as they embrace unique opportunities, and develop new skills in digital media creation, songwriting, leadership, and valuable employment/life skills. This personal/professional development process has triggered profound changes in the participants, their families and in the way they are perceived by the wider community.

“It’s time that communities started taking control of the narrative. Telling their own stories, listening to each other, reflecting on and defining their community story in a self-determined way,” said Toby Finlayson – DPM Creative Director/Co-Founder.

In Bourke NSW – the Crossroads Projects created pathways to employment. Ex-DPM Project Participants (B-Town Warriors, 2016) are now employed at Bourke High School, and as facilitators on DPM Projects in neighbouring communities. In Moree NSW - young artist Mika Tyson has started her own photography business!

“It’s changed my life heaps. I’ve grown as a person. I’ve learnt heaps. I wanna keep pushing this forward. I wanna fight for something better in this community – continue what they have (started) but in our own hometown.” said Mika Tyson – Participant (Moree, NSW)

The DPM Team is excited about the potential of the Crossroads model. The sky is the limit for these young people, and we are seeking new partnerships to roll out long-term projects around the Western Region and across Australia.

Desert Pea Media’s ‘The Crossroads Project’ was funded by the Office for Regional Youth’s (NSW Gov) ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ program.

“We now have clear evidence from the Independent Evaluation undertaken that the model works. The personal and social impacts are clear and measurable – long-term investment in communities creates positive social change, helps Indigenous young people feel more connected to their communities and improves social and emotional wellbeing for all involved.” (Scott Large – DPM General Manager)

About Desert Pea Media

Desert Pea Media is a community-driven media organisation amplifying the voices of Australia’s remote and regional communities. Through innovative arts and digital media initiatives, Desert Pea Media empowers individuals to tell their stories and celebrate their unique perspectives.

DPM has delivered 200 projects in 100 Indigenous communities around the country. They have 5.8 million views on Youtube and SIX National Indigenous Music Awards.

CREDITS
Toby Finlayson - Co-Director/Co-Producer/Project Lead/Camera 2/Editor
Sam Vines - DOP/Editor
Scott Large - Co-Director/Co-Producer/Graphic Design/General Manager
Maf Priestley - Co-Director/Cultural Consultant
Daniel Glossop - Sound Engineer
Jannali Doncaster - Presenter