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FIRST NATIONS MEDIA NEWS
 
This month we have continued our work to support First Nations media organisations around the country in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are hugely proud of the messaging being produced across the sector to keep our communities safe and healthy and we recognise all the extra hours of work that have gone into creating some really important content, often under stressful conditions. Thank-you. We’ve loved hearing some of the excellent feedback members have been receiving from communities, which has resonated right through to Parliament House. While the pandemic has been a difficult time in many ways, there has also been some really positive moments of connection through our media networks.

As restrictions start to ease around the country and we move into the next phase of messaging, we continue to put new resources on our COVID-19 website for broadcasters and reporters to draw from. There are new scripts, social media tiles, audio grabs and short videos being added all the time to support your news stories and content pieces. If you haven’t checked into the site for a little while, it’s worth having another look here.

We have been pleased to distribute a small amount of emergency funding to help the sector with immediate responses to the pandemic in the first few weeks. Funding provided by Minister Wyatt through the National Indigenous Australians Agency has contributed to some of the small equipment purchases our members needed to make to ensure the continuation of essential broadcasting services through social distancing requirements, allowing members to protect their staff while staying on air. This funding also provided support for some of the extra messaging work First Nations media organisations have been delivering in recent weeks, along with support from the Northern Territory Government for messaging in the Territory. Now we are working to address the next phase of messaging and the loss of income many members are facing due to cancelled events, fundraising activities and sponsorship campaigns.

Amongst all of this, we have continued to move forward with some exciting developments across our areas of work. We have been contributing to the Public Interest Reference Group, working alongside the Land Councils, health organisations and Northern Territory Government to coordinate the communications response to COVID-19 in the Territory. Our work with the Coalition of Peaks continues, contributing to working groups and drafting processes for the Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in preparation for COAG meetings coming up. The Archiving Project is well underway with resources and training in place to help members get started with archiving significant historic recordings, more information on that below. indigiTUBE has received a huge surge in traffic during the lockdown and we’re really excited about some of the new content being added to the site at the moment. And our inDigiMOB team has found a whole new way to work with remote communities, delivering our first online digital mentoring and engaging in technology in new ways.

ARCHIVING PROJECT UPDATE
The trial of the Mukurtu platform is going well with three pilot sites - PAW Media, PAKAM and Umeewarra Media - now having had initial training and putting content onto their new archive sites. Thanks to Susan Locke for volunteering to do the training and developing the resources. FNMA is currently applying for funding to expand the use of Mukurtu to other organisations and continue providing training and support. Let Daniel know if your organisation is interested in being involved.
Upcoming Webinar - Getting Started with Archiving Part 2
Thursday 4th June: 11am EST/
10.30am CST/ 9am WST on


The first webinar (7th May) and presentation can be viewed on our website here.

We have also started a First Nations Media History archive on Mukurtu and are starting to upload photos from the FNMA collection. If you have photos of key sector activities, events or people taken during the 1980s to 2000s, which you would be happy to have included in the archive, please contact Daniel at daniel@firstnationsmedia.org.au. We will credit the contributors or put your name to the collection.


We are compiling the archive learning resources on our website into a manual, as well as an interactive online toolkit, based on the 9 Stages of Development of First Nations Media Archives. There will be a front page for Archive Managers, Archive Workers or Mukurtu Users to help find the relevant information and resources. This is due for completion by late June.

We are working with Charles Darwin University to develop a 3-unit accredited archiving skill set to teach archive workers how to digitise and catalogue audio, video and photographic records.

Below: A snapshot of the Mukurtu archiving platform
DEMONSTRATING THE POWER OF FIRST NATIONS JOURNALISM
With support from the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas, we are developing an impact study in partnership with the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Advancing Journalism to evaluate the impact of First Nations journalism and allied activities on community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evaluation will include a small number of case study examples, with researchers working in partnership with First Nations media organisations.

If you’re interested in being one of the case study organisations, please drop an email to Claire via
claire@firstnationsmedia.org.au.

THE INDIGITUBE PULSE
PREMIERE: NEW MUSIC RELEASE!
indigiTUBE has some exciting new music! Former First Sounds featured artist Loui has released a brand new independently produced song For The Girls, premiering on indigiTUBE today. The track aims to support and empower women experiencing domestic violence, and highlights specific traits of these unacceptable behaviours.
BORED AT HOME?
Jump on indigiTUBE and check the awesome collection of first nations music, podcasts and videos. Let's stay connected to each other, country and culture. The Benny Walker Blues compilation is now available and we have an exciting new independently produced podcast DECOLONISE featuring Alwyn Doolan who initiated Nation Dance, a national mass movement on 1 December 2019. The first episode of DEADLY BEATS radio show from Nunga Wangga is now available for playback, and check the latest from NITV. Get behind the stories on FIRST SOUNDS VOL.1 or chill with SOUNDS OF THE KIMBERLEY. Download the APP for Apple or Android.

GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? REGISTER FOR A FREE ACCOUNT TODAY!
inDigiMOB
THE NEW INDIGIMOB NORMAL
It has been starkly apparent to the inDigiMOB team during the recent period of COVID-19 restrictions, that the need for digital skills is still great and will only become more necessary as time goes on. Many of our partners and the communities we work with seem to be busier than ever managing the local situation, passing on useful and appropriate COVID-19 resources and information, and making the necessary changes to operations. We have kept in constant contact with our partners and have recently begun to make some small steps towards providing digital inclusion activities once more.

We've run our first Facebook Live workshop! This was a short 15 minute session on how to take good photos with your mobile device, which seemed to be of broad interest, receiving 131 views over a few short days. We've also trialled a Zoom workshop with a group in Yuendumu, which again was successful and well received.

These initiatives are all supported by a new radio and social media campaign. You can check these out on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter page, and listen for the info messages on your local radio (if you're in the NT).

Face-to-face workshops have previously been shown to be more effective than online delivery, however as we move forward with the inDigiMOB project and try to engage a wider audience in the most efficient way we're sure these new modes of engagement will continue to play a part in the way we operate.

If you'd like inDigiMOB to facilitate a remote digital workshop with an organisation in your remote community please contact us at info@indigimob.com.au.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER: TEABBA
We are pleased to welcome the Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association (TEABBA), as members of First Nations Media Australia this month. It's great to have you on board!
CAAMA COVERING COVID-19
Highly respected Lurtija Elder and lead guitarist from the legendary Warumpi Band, Sammy Butcher - shared his thoughts about how his community of Papunya is coping with threat of Coronavirus on CAAMA radio. Currently the community of Papunya is doing okay, but Mr Butcher is adamant that the younger generations need to be made more aware of the potential threat and danger Coronavirus COVID-19 presents. This is just one interview in a series of stories CAAMA has produced to keep communities informed about the pandemic. Hear the interview.
3KND BROADCASTERS ISAAC MULLER & ELIJAH AUGUSTINE
3KND has welcomed a new team member Isaac Muller to the Midday Rush Mon-Fri 12 noon to 2pm. Isaac is a proud Wiradjuri and Palawa man born and raised on Wurundjeri land.

Catching up for a yarn was Elijah Augustine a Nyul-Nyul, Jabirr-Jabirr and Ngumbarl Saltwater man from the
coastline of the Kimberly’s, Western Australia. Elijah is a volunteer broadcaster at 3KND Radio Station, hosting "The Rock Show" every Thursday night from 10pm til midnight, playing all his favourite rock music.

Both add a youthful mix to the 3KND platform.
OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIAL MASTERCLASS WITH ACTRESS SHARI SEBBENS
AFTRS Indigenous is hosting a its next Special Masterclass and Q&A with actress Shari Sebbens this Friday! For more information and to register click here.
HEALING FOUNDATION JOB OPPORTUNITY
DEPUTY CEO
- Canberra based – full time position
- Strategic acumen and vision the key to success
- An identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates
The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forced removal of children from their families. They focus on building culturally strong, community led healing solutions, through working closely with communities around the country. Read more here.
NG MEDIA JOB OPPORTUNITY
Ngaanyatjarra Media (NG Media) in Wingellina is looking for a new Radio Manager. We would be prepared to consider a short term contract if the person was suitable. The position requires managing NG Media radio and training staff. 

Email manager@ngmedia.org.au for more information.
JUSTICE CONNECT WEBINARS
Justice Connect has a couple of webinars coming up that may be timely for some of our members. Upcoming training sessions include:
  • Employee or independent contractor? When to employ and when to contract - Tuesday 9 June, 12:45pm AEST
  • Drafting a great Memorandum of Understanding - Tuesday 23 June, 12:45pm AEST

They also have recordings of previous free webinars on key legal issues for managers of volunteers, holding AGMs online, employment and contract issues for not-for-profits on their website. Read more.
YOUTH PHOTOJOURNALISM CONTEST
Photographers under the age of 24 are invited to apply for the Ian Parry Scholarship to help undertake a chosen project and raise your international profile. The winner of the contest will receive $3,500 (USD) and Canon photo equipment. There are two awards available, for Achievement and for Potential. Applications are open now and close on 5 July. Read more.
INDUSTRY NEWS
THANK-YOU FROM PARLIAMENT HOUSE
During the sitting week in Canberra last week, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy presented the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 and Telecommunications (Regional Broadband Scheme) Charge Bill 2019. In her speech, Senator McCarthy highlighted the widening digital divide in the bush and the challenges facing First Nations media organisations hampered by a lack of affordable and appropriate broadband. Senator McCarthy extended her thanks to the sector for “their hard work, often not renumerated, during this very challenging time across our country” and acknowledged the major role First Nations media organisations have played in keeping our communities healthy and safe. See the full speech here.
TECHNORAMA 2020
The 2020 Technorama conference (previously planned for Toowoomba in May) has moved online and will now be held over one day on Saturday 5 July. The conference will still include presentations, panels, discussions and demonstrations - all held online. The conference focuses on technical developments in the broadcasting sector with sessions ranging from entry level to tech, through to very experienced radio and television technologists. The Technorama team is working on the program at the moment and registrations will be opening soon. If you have a session suggestion, submit it here.
FROM THE EMBERS
The CBAA has created a podcast collaboration with community radio stations sharing stories from the bushfire crisis only a few months ago. The nine-part series tells the stories of survival and heroism in the face of great dance. The first episode of the series, “Radio Saves the Day” tells the stories of how families responded when their last link to news services through radio were cut. Read and hear more.
PWC VOLUNTEERING
PwC staff can spend up to 15 hours per year using their professional services in a voluntary capacity for not-for-profit organisations. Across their staff team they have expertise in finance, Human Resources, IT, tax, legal services, strategy development, marketing and project consultation. If your organisation could use a hand from a volunteer with skills in any of these areas, you can sign up via their website to be matched with a volunteer. Read more.
VIRTUAL PROGRESS 2020
This year the Australian Progress conference will be held online, bringing together leading advocates, change-makers, storytellers, philanthropists and activists to build a shared understanding of where we’re going and how we can work together to build a fairer future. Some of the speakers already confirmed include Dr Anne Poelina (Chair, Maruwarra Fitzroy River Council), Larissa Baldwin (First Nations Justice Campaigner, GetUp), Marshall Ganz (US based community organising expert), Benjamin Law (Author), Anat Shenker-Osorio (global messaging and communications expert) and many more.

Virtual Progress has offered First Nations Media Australia members sponsorship for up to 20 registrations. This means free registration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates and partial scholarships for non-Indigenous staff working in First Nations media organisations. To take up this offer, register via their website using this code: fnm-vp2020. Read more.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK
This week we send a long distance hug to the volunteers who help out at community media organisations across the country. National Volunteers Week is an opportunity to recognise and thank the people who support our industry by donating their time and skills. While we can’t gather for scones in the tea room this week, there are still a lot of events happening to celebrate volunteering online. Read more.
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
COMMUNITY BUSINESS BUREAU
Community Business Bureau (CBB) supports the not for profit sector providing salary packaging services and business consulting. We work with clients of all sizes in all locations, with over a third of our clients being located in regional or remote areas.  
If your organisation would benefit from expert support to strengthen your business practices, grow or manage change, our experienced consulting team can help. You can book a free initial consultation with any CBB Business Consultant, read more here.
FUNDING
ABC FRESH START FUNDING
The ABC Fresh Start Fund is intended to stimulate the provision of Australian content, in both scripted and non-scripted content, and across all genres including entertainment, comedy, drama, science, arts and culture, music, children’s, factual, documentary, and religion. For More Information, visit ABC website here.
INNOVATION FUND
The ACMA is offering grants of up to $400k to improve the capacity of publishers and content service providers to generate revenue from the production of civic and public interest journalism, support business improvement activities and/or encourage innovation and experimentation in digital journalism. Applications are open now and close on 22 May. Read more.
2020 RESILIENCE FUND: SURVIVE
The Australia Council for the Arts has $5m available to provide immediate relief to the Australian arts sector to recoup money lost due to cancelled activity. These grants are open to individuals, groups and organisations to request funds for income or fees lost from cancelled work. Applications are open now and close on 28 May. Read more.
COPYRIGHT AGENCY CULTURAL FUND
The Copyright Agency is offering grants of $5,000-$20,000 to organisations for projects that deliver opportunities for Australian writers, journalists, publishers and visual arts. They are particularly interested in supporting partnerships with organisations to raise the profile of writing and writers. Applications close on 12 June. Read more.
PUBLIC INTEREST NEWS GATHERING (PING) PROGRAM
The Department of Communications is distributing $50million to commercial television and radio broadcasters and regional publishers - which includes organisations publishing written public interest news content and online news content. If you hold a narrowcast license, publish news content in print or online, or publish public interest news content in a regional area via your website, you can apply for a proportion of your 2018-19 revenue. Applications are open now and close on 29 May. Read more.
FOLLOW US
 
FIRST NATIONS MEDIA AUSTRALIA
2/70 Elder St,
PO Box 2731 Alice Springs NT 0871
comms@firstnationsmedia.org.au |  firstnationsmedia.org.au | 08 8952 6465



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