Strong Culture Strong Future is a youth led cultural media initiative developed by Umeewarra Media to empower Aboriginal young people through creative storytelling, cultural learning and digital media production. The project connects generations, strengthens identity and supports young people facing social and economic disadvantage in Port Augusta and surrounding communities. Grounded in First Nations values, ...
Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association
Strong Culture Strong Future
GOAL
$120,000
Australia > SA > Regional
Field of Interest
- Arts and culture
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association
Umeewarra Media is a proud Aboriginal owned and operated media organisation based in Port Augusta, South Australia. For over three decades, it has been a vital voice for Aboriginal people, blending arts, culture and social justice to empower the community, especially young people experiencing disadvantage.
At the heart of Umeewarra’s work is a deep commitment to storytelling through creative media. From radio to podcasts, video to community events, Umeewarra uses the arts as a platform for truth telling, cultural preservation and youth expression. The organisation actively supports young Aboriginal people to learn technical, creative and leadership skills in media, giving them a strong voice and a sense of purpose. This includes youth led radio shows, documentary making and live broadcasting at community events such as Umeewarra Downtown.
Umeewarra’s programs focus on disadvantaged children and young people, many of whom face intergenerational trauma, social exclusion or barriers to education and employment. Through initiatives like Club Umee and the Next Gen Leadership group, participants explore identity, language and cultural pride while developing media skills and contributing to civic life.
Project Summary
Strong Culture Strong Future is a youth led cultural media initiative developed by Umeewarra Media to empower Aboriginal young people through creative storytelling, cultural learning and digital media production. The project connects generations, strengthens identity and supports young people facing social and economic disadvantage in Port Augusta and surrounding communities.
Grounded in First Nations values, the project gives young people the opportunity to learn from Elders, explore their own stories and share their voices with the wider community. Participants will develop skills in podcasting, video production and community broadcasting, creating content that celebrates language, culture and lived experience. The program will include workshops, on country recording trips, mentoring by experienced media workers and public showcases of the work produced.
The project is designed to increase confidence, cultural pride, digital literacy and a sense of purpose among Aboriginal youth, many of whom face systemic barriers to opportunity. By providing culturally safe spaces for creativity and connection, Strong Culture Strong Future supports not just individual development but community resilience.
Project Outcomes
The Strong Culture Strong Future project is designed to create meaningful change for Aboriginal young people who experience disadvantage due to systemic inequality, intergenerational trauma, social exclusion and limited access to culturally safe opportunities. Many of the young people engaged in this project face barriers related to poverty, housing instability, educational disengagement and the impacts of racism. This project will provide a positive pathway that supports their strengths, celebrates their culture and offers real skills for the future.
Through participation in creative and cultural media activities, young people will develop a stronger sense of identity, pride and connection to their community. They will gain hands on experience in media production, including podcasting, video recording, editing and broadcasting. These skills can open doors to future education, training or employment, helping to break cycles of disadvantage and create new opportunities.
Participants will also benefit from increased confidence, improved communication, leadership development and positive mentoring from Elders and experienced media workers. Engaging in storytelling, language work and cultural learning will support healing, resilience and personal growth.
The wider community will gain access to powerful stories that reflect local voices and knowledge. This includes language recordings, youth perspectives and content that strengthens community pride and understanding. Sharing these stories through radio, social media and public events will help create a more inclusive and respectful environment for Aboriginal people.
Overall, the project will create lasting impact by equipping disadvantaged young people with tools, connections and confidence to shape their futures and lead with cultural strength
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $250,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| BHP | $50,000 |
| CBF | $26,000 |
| Umeewarra Media | $24,000 |
| DHS | $30,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Youth Co-ordinator | $120,000 |
| Employ youth staff | $80,000 |
| Senior staff | $20,000 |
| equipment | $30,000 |
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