Screenwest is first state-based screen organisation to licence the SBS Cultural Competence Program; Diversity Fund recipients announced
As part of Screenwest’s commitment to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan...
As part of Screenwest’s commitment to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan, Screenwest is proud to be the first state-based screen organisation to licence the SBS Cultural Competence Program, which will be rolled out to employees in the coming weeks. The recipients of Screenwest’s Diversity Fund – Stream 2 have also been announced, providing funding support which will increase experience and opportunities for emerging creatives from diverse backgrounds.
The SBS Cultural Competence Program (CCP) is a range of online multi-media training courses and resources designed to help organisations maximise the benefits of cultural competence, diversity and inclusion.
Janelle Marr, Screenwest Chair was pleased to report, “In the first few months since launching our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan, we have already put into action a number of commitments including the Diversity Fund. We have also taken steps internally to ensure Screenwest staff and Board have the appropriate training to address diversity in the workplace and across the sectors and communities with which we engage.”
The CCP, which is the first of a series of training modules Screenwest will adopt, will assist in the management of an increasingly diverse workforce; provide better service and engagement with diverse communities; and promote social cohesion through fostering a better understanding of diverse cultures.
Screenwest employees will gain practical skills and cultural specific knowledge for use both in the workplace and everyday life. By improving verbal and non-verbal communication, Screenwest will be better equipped to address diverse workforces and stakeholders.
Once Screenwest staff have completed the program, Screenwest will look at how best it can be delivered to the industry.
The CCP was developed by SBS, Multicultural NSW, and International Education Services, market leaders in the areas of multiculturalism, cultural awareness, and education organisations in addressing the needs of multicultural Australia.
The Cultural Atlas is also a free tool to help understand different cultures and is available here.
Diversity Fund Recipients
Screenwest’s Diversity Fund – Stream 2, which had its first round close in November, has committed funding to four unique opportunities, each advancing the experience of emerging practitioners from diverse backgrounds.
Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest Head of Development and Production congratulated the recipients.
“This first round of the Diversity Fund saw a huge number of competitive applications, proving that WA has an enormous amount of untapped creative talent, eager for support to contribute to the local screen industry. I am very excited to see what doors are opened because of this funding.”
- Sam Ren, of Sam Ren Productions, will receive funding support to undertake training in film production skills including script development, storyboarding, camera, audio production and editing. Sam, who is of Chinese decent and has cerebral palsy, wants to develop and produce stories highlighting the way he views the world.
- Cassandra Nguyen, an emerging writer/director will receive funding support to engage Gordon Napier of Script Central as Script Mentor, developing the short film HOLD UP into its final draft stage. Cassandra is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees of the Vietnam War and is passionate about telling diverse stories centred around women and ethnic minorities in Australia.
- ROOTSTV will receive funding to support the organisation’s development and to continue to administer practical media workshops which target youths from disengaged and various cultural backgrounds. The organisation aims to address the challenges of mental health through a series of film productions.
- World renowned drone videographer and 2018 WA Young Achievers Award nominee Jaimen Hudson will be mentored by Sea Dog TV International’s Leighton and Jodie De Barros in a skills development course which will Jaimen’s improve camera operation and filmmaking skills, therefore increasing his employment and business opportunities. Jaimen is a quadriplegic and self-taught drone operator living in Esperance.
The Diversity Fund Guidelines can be found on the Screenwest website. The Diversity Fund – Stream 1 accepts applications any time.
Please contact Screenwest Inclusion Manager, Simone Flavelle at diversity@screenwest.com.au or 08 6169 2106.