Melody Dia's debut play 'FIFO: Fit In Or F**K Off' is a humorous and often heartbreaking take on the turbulent reality of fly-in-fly-out work.
BREAKING: Goolarri Media Enterprises in Broome has just received a significant boost of $30,000 from the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund to produce the powerful new play Because We’re Blak, authored by Nyul Nyul playwright Melody Dia. This funding is part of a larger initiative that will invest a total of $88,384 into three Kimberley projects, aiming to foster artistic and cultural development in the region.
The production of Because We’re Blak is set to premiere in May 2026 and will feature a majority First Nations creative team. The play will tour Fitzroy Crossing and Derby, highlighting the diverse voices of First Nations people. Goolarri Media, which has a longstanding commitment to supporting Indigenous arts and media, is seizing this opportunity to create new pathways for local artists.
This timely initiative comes as authorities emphasize the importance of cultural storytelling, addressing contemporary issues such as racism, prejudicial policing, and generational divides through Ms. Dia’s compelling narrative, infused with humor and pathos.
In addition to Goolarri’s project, the Kimberley Arts Network (KAN) in Broome has been awarded $28,630 to establish a new Ceramics Studio Program. KAN executive officer Clancy McDowell expressed excitement about the project, noting that they have frequently been asked about ceramics programs but lacked the necessary facilities until now. “Now with funding from Lotterywest and the Regional Arts Fund, KAN will be establishing its ceramics studio with a kiln installation and training programs to support arts workers and clay-based programs,” she stated. “We can’t wait to get the ceramics centre up and running in 2026.”
In a similar effort, the Waringarri Arts Aboriginal Corporation in Kununurra has received $29,754 to launch the Gelengajbenga-Woorr project, which will conduct workshops for emerging Aboriginal artists. Ros Abercrombie, executive director of Regional Arts Australia, highlighted the significance of these funding recipients, stating, “These projects not only produce exceptional art but also stimulate local economies and strengthen community connections.”
This funding is part of a national initiative that allocates $1.76 million to 77 new creative projects across regional and remote Australia. The grants are projected to create 865 new jobs and engage over 14,700 participants, reaching a combined audience of more than 1.2 million people.
The urgency of these developments underlines a critical moment for the arts in the Kimberley region. As these projects take shape, they promise to enhance community engagement and promote cultural heritage. Stay tuned for more updates as these initiatives unfold, marking a transformative period for Indigenous arts in Australia.
