FUNPARK: MOUNT DRUITT PRESS CONFERENCES
The Mount Druitt Press Conference is a series of curated conversations led by young local aspiring leaders. The participants attend a series of workshops, where they share lived experiences of growing up in Bidwill, leading to a live public broadcast conversation.
In June, folks gathered for the First Nations: Mount Druitt Press Conference at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). First Nations youth from Bidwill held an engaging conversation about growing up in Mount Druitt, what it’s like as a young Aboriginal person navigating through the barriers and issues in their community, and reflecting on what there is to change. To start the event, we had a very special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on the steps of the gallery led by esteemed Elders, Uncle Greg Simms and Uncle Wes Marne.
The speakers spoke at length about their desire for creating an Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Bidwill, a place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn more about Country, culture and history. They also spoke at length about the importance of listening to Elders, and during the conversation, we had the privilege of listening to and witnessing Uncle Greg and Uncle Wes respond to and guide these young leaders. “There’s many different leaders at all different age groups,” as Riana said, and it was amazing to hear these young leaders and Elders speak together at this very special event.
In September, the Pasifika Youth: Mount Druitt Press Conference was live-streamed and broadcast to audiences' homes. The conversation was facilitated by MC Trey, with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Greg, and an introduction from the Hon Ed Husic MP. The conversations were profound and insightful and touched on mental health, postcode stigma and the daily barriers faced by Pasifika youth.
“I remember speaking to one of my friends, who is of Indian background, and he told me… you know Nina, it's not the location. It's not the uni that you go to. But it’s about your mindset… you know, if we limit ourselves and if we let these stigmas get to us, then we become that stigma.” —Nina Aiono, panelist
The online Q&A and chat that followed was one of the most vibrant online exchanges we have had, with over 60 audience members engaged in a conversation that extended the event by more than 30 minutes.
“Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Really good messages to help break down stereotypes. Visibility is important. You are role models for Pasifika youth.” —Tammy Roosen, online audience member
FUNPARK: Mount Druitt Press Conference is funded by the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW’s COMPACT Program.
In June, folks gathered for the First Nations: Mount Druitt Press Conference at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). First Nations youth from Bidwill held an engaging conversation about growing up in Mount Druitt, what it’s like as a young Aboriginal person navigating through the barriers and issues in their community, and reflecting on what there is to change. To start the event, we had a very special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on the steps of the gallery led by esteemed Elders, Uncle Greg Simms and Uncle Wes Marne.
The speakers spoke at length about their desire for creating an Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Bidwill, a place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn more about Country, culture and history. They also spoke at length about the importance of listening to Elders, and during the conversation, we had the privilege of listening to and witnessing Uncle Greg and Uncle Wes respond to and guide these young leaders. “There’s many different leaders at all different age groups,” as Riana said, and it was amazing to hear these young leaders and Elders speak together at this very special event.
In September, the Pasifika Youth: Mount Druitt Press Conference was live-streamed and broadcast to audiences' homes. The conversation was facilitated by MC Trey, with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Greg, and an introduction from the Hon Ed Husic MP. The conversations were profound and insightful and touched on mental health, postcode stigma and the daily barriers faced by Pasifika youth.
“I remember speaking to one of my friends, who is of Indian background, and he told me… you know Nina, it's not the location. It's not the uni that you go to. But it’s about your mindset… you know, if we limit ourselves and if we let these stigmas get to us, then we become that stigma.” —Nina Aiono, panelist
The online Q&A and chat that followed was one of the most vibrant online exchanges we have had, with over 60 audience members engaged in a conversation that extended the event by more than 30 minutes.
“Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Really good messages to help break down stereotypes. Visibility is important. You are role models for Pasifika youth.” —Tammy Roosen, online audience member
FUNPARK: Mount Druitt Press Conference is funded by the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW’s COMPACT Program.