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Curtin University of Technology Film and Television and Journalism students and graduates won a coveted national community television award at the 2008 Antenna Awards recently.
The award for Best Indigenous Program went to Noongar Dandjoo, a collaborative effort produced by 29 Curtin students and graduates, their lecturers, staff from the University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS) and members of the local Noongar community in Western Australia.
Noongar Dandjoo was a groundbreaking series of four 30-minute programs investigating community issues and showcasing inspirational stories of people that was made for broadcast on Access 31.
Dandjoo is the Noongar word for gathering. The series featured stories and studio discussions with a range of different people on key issues such as preserving their language, innovative initiatives in Indigenous education and healthcare, and the future of Aboriginal media.
Curtin Dean of the School of Media, Society and Culture Professor Colin Brown said winning the national Antenna Award was a huge achievement.
“I am proud of our winners and congratulate them on their efforts and talent,” Professor Brown said.
“This is the second win for Noongar Dandjoo as it scooped the Western Australian Screen Award for Best Community Television Production earlier this year.
“After consultation with CAS staff and the local community, the students and graduates came up with the story ideas for each program.
“They were responsible for all production including location and studio shooting, editing, set design, lighting, graphics and logistics.”
Noongar Dandjoo Producer and Bachelor of Media and Information student Jade Macmillan was delighted to win the Antenna Award.
“Many people put long hours of hard work into producing the programs,” Ms Macmillan said.
“I sincerely thank everyone for their efforts in making Noongar Dandjoo such a success, especially those from the Noongar community who took the time to share their stories and express their opinions.
“We could not have done it without such fantastic support and encouragement and I would like to thank Curtin for making it all possible.”
The Antenna Awards are Australia’s annual community television awards. The Awards recognise the contribution of the community television sector to broadcasting, support up and coming talent, and celebrate the role of community television in promoting cultural diversity and harmony.
