AFTRS takes On Country Pathways program to NSW Far South Coast

L-R: OCPP participants Talicia Minniecon and Georgia McGrath with trainer Natalie Pozdeev. Image supplied.

The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) will take its groundbreaking On Country Pathways Program (OCCP) to Jigamy, near Eden, on the far south coast of New South Wales, later this month.

The OCPP aims to create career pathways into film, television, radio and podcasting through bespoke training for emerging First Nations creatives living in remote, rural and regional areas across Australia.

This year the program has provided AFTRS’ world-class screen and audio training to First Nations storytellers in parts of Queensland and Western Australia.

It will now head to Thaua Country, on the South East coast, where it will offer two workshops following the Giiyong Festival – in podcasting and mobile content creation – in partnership with local not-for-profit First Nations media organisation Studio Jaanda over three days (24-26 November).

AFTRS First Nations Director Peter Noble said the program had been warmly welcomed by First Nations Communities and industry practitioners since it was piloted in collaboration with PAKAM in the Kimberley region of WA in September 2024.

A total of almost 80 people has now participated in the series of workshops.

“The On Country Pathways Program is about creating real opportunities for First Nations storytellers in regional and rural areas to build their skills and share their voices and stories,” said Noble.

“Our workshops are co-designed with First Nations Communities, so they truly speak to local culture and aspirations. Bringing the program to Jigamy means connecting with Community in that region and building practical skills, along with the confidence, to open doors and minds to creative careers that can be life changing.”

AFTRS On Country Pathways Program has been made possible with the support of the Commonwealth Government as part of the National Cultural Policy.

AFTRS will kick off its program in Jigamy with an information stall at the Giiyong Festival on Saturday 22 November 2025. 

More than 20 emerging Aboriginal storytellers are expected to attend the workshops with more welcome.  More info here.