Gumbaynggirr Stories on Screen

Powerful media productions featuring local First Nations stories have just been released. Late last year, visionary charity organisation Desert Pea Media (DPM) and ETC worked with Gumbaynggirr and Indigenous communities from Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads. They facilitated important conversations about identity, wellbeing and culture. 

As part of these workshops, two short films and a cutting-edge music video were written, scripted and produced. These powerful media productions will be premiered February 24 at Coffs Harbour’s newest venue Jetty Beach House.

• “Through the Smoke” – Music Video by Gumbaynggirr Collective 

• “The Split” – Short film with Uncle Tony Perkins and Troy Robinson 

• “Coby’s Yarn” – short film with young Indigenous film maker Coby Cochrane 

Collaboration in the Community

The project is funded and supported by Enterprise & Training Company Limited. ETC is a community orientated, not-for-profit provider of employment, and training services.  

“We are committed to reinvesting our profits back into the business and into the communities where we operate,” says ETC Board Chair Rod McKelvey. “It’s our way of giving back and thanking those communities which continue to support us.”

“We’re proud to support Desert Pea Media with $100,000 to bring this unique opportunity to Coffs Harbour and local Gumbaynggirr people.” 

Deadly Gumbaynggirr artist, performer and culture man Troy Robinson joined the Desert Pea Media team last November. 

‘Working with DPM was such an inspiring experience,” says Troy. “The storytelling, history and sharing of culture, with Elders to our Young People, was powerful.

“It was special watching our Young People then put that knowledge into words and create a song and video, representing their people.”

Amplifying Gumbaynggirr Stories

Celebrating 20 Years of operation in 2022, DPM has long been amplifying the voices of Original Nations young people, Elders and communities. They work across regional and remote Australia.

“This project represents a very important milestone for DPM,” explains Creative Director Toby Finlayson. “Connecting with the Coffs Harbour community and ETC for the first time has been incredible.

“The development of trust and relationships with the community has been seamless, and we’re looking forward to long-term future programming and genuine social impact for community.”

See the films on Desert Pea Media’s YouTube Channel