Desert Pea Media is very proud to release the sixth and final instalment from the ‘Break It Down’ project series, straight outta Walgett, NSW. This campaign was developed to create awareness and conversation about well-being and mental health for Indigenous young people in Western NSW. The program was designed to create inter-generational dialogue around community, culture and identity and to break down some of the stigmas attached to mental health.

This production was created in November 2017 via a 5 day Desert Pea Media storytelling workshop. Co-written by, and starring an incredibly talented group of young Indigenous people enrolled at Walgett Community College – with support from DPM staff, local community members and school staff.

Desert Pea Media projects involve a dialogue-based storytelling process that encouraged participants to analyze ‘the real’, ‘the ideal’ and ‘the bridge’. In simple terms this means critically thinking about how to create positive change for yourself, for each other and for their communities.

The project was funded by the good people at Western NSW Primary Health network.

You could say that we’re thinking back
It’s the ancient mob out of The Gate with a new track
Yulligi Yugul on a boom bap, dance in the dirt
Grip that mic, fade to black

‘Speak With Me’ is an invitation from the Kamileroi people to the Government and Private Services working in the community. A call to country. In a context where mental health is at crisis point for young Indigenous Australians, and the pressures of living in two worlds are bigger than ever, ‘The Mob’ want us all to connect, around the fire, by the river, where we all belong.

This song is an invitation born of warmth, respect and inclusion. The oldest culture on earth welcoming people to country with a sense of genuine calm and generosity.

This project featured the expert musical direction and production of DPM producer Josh Nicholas (aka Hazy) who has produced music for all ‘Break It Down’ productions. You can find more of the ‘Break It Down’ project series by following the link here.