Our Yarn
The Need
Ongoing effects of colonisation have caused profound disconnection for First Nations peoples – disconnection from identity, community, culture, and Country. Young people in regional and remote communities face compounding disadvantages – limited access to services, mental health crises, and fewer pathways forward. Other service providers frequently fail to reach those who we work with.
How We Respond
DPM co-delivers powerful creative projects with First Nations communities across Australia.
Desert Pea Media is a cross-cultural, charitable organisation – consisting of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, contractors and Board members. We strongly believe that this ‘two-way’ approach brings significant strength to the organisation, and the work that we do in communities.
We consider our work to be ‘Reconciliation in Action’: a direct response to the generations of disadvantage faced every day by Australian First Nations peoples.
As an organisation, DPM is committed to listening to, learning from, and being guided by First Nations cultural knowledge and principles. We utilise contemporary systems, technologies, and techniques to support community-driven knowledge sharing that can empower and educate all Australian people and cultures.
Sharing stories, fostering healing, and creating a positive future for everyone.
Our History
DPM’s unique and innovative community process was designed over two decades by founding members Matthew Priestley (Kamileroi/Gomeroi – from Moree, NSW) and Toby Finlayson (Irish/Scottish descent, born on Wiradjuri Country - Forbes NSW) through the vehicle of genuine, reciprocal friendship.
Toby and Maf found that when people were disconnected from culture, identity, Country and community, the impacts reached across all the full spectrum of social and emotional wellbeing. They knew there had to be another way – one that recognised people's strengths, instead of defining people by disadvantage.
Music, film, and storytelling became a vehicle – engaging young people on Country and in community, and creating a space to share their voice and truth. In the years since, our work has grown and developed, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be on Country, and learn, share, and create with First Nations communities.
We thank the many Elders, young people, mentors, supporters, collaborators and Custodians who have welcomed us, supported us, and shared stories, Country, and wisdom.
Communities DPM has worked in:
