Desert Pea Media (DPM) Releases ‘Crossroads: Reflections’ Documentary

A new documentary presented by Desert Pea Media (DPM) ‘Crossroads: Reflections’ based in Moree & Bourke NSW, follows the story of the CROSSROADS PROJECT - a group of young Indigenous people in remote NSW, learning the craft of storytelling, creating impactful change, and building a positive future for their communities.

Moree & Bourke NSW. These remote, riverside towns in Regional NSW have been under the spotlight in recent years - amidst a so-called ‘youth crime epidemic’ in the Western region. Charity organisation Desert Pea Media (DPM) has been running programs with Indigenous young people around the region for over 20 Years. Using creative processes and digital storytelling to create conversations around social change – exploring themes of cultural identity, community connection, hope, purpose and wellbeing.

Darrel Smith – CEO of Moree-based youth agency Mirray Birray said, “Our communities are continuously misrepresented by the mainstream media – focusing on negative stories that perpetuate racial stereotypes and bias. Youth crime is undeniably an issue, but the roots of the problem begin below the surface, and this consistently negative, reactive media isn’t helping our community”.

‘Crossroads: Reflections’ will be released on July and tells the story of a 12-month DPM project in Bourke and Moree NSW – demonstrating compelling and measurable social impact for young people and communities.

This is the story of a new generation of grassroots storytellers, as they embrace unique opportunities, and develop new skills in digital media creation, songwriting, leadership, and valuable employment/life skills. This personal/professional development process has triggered profound changes in the participants, their families and in the way they are perceived by the wider community.

“It’s time that communities started taking control of the narrative. Telling their own stories, listening to each other, reflecting on and defining their community story in a self-determined way,” said Toby Finlayson – DPM Creative Director/Co-Founder.