Kuranda Digital MEDIA

07/01/2020

SHAWN DRIEBERG
a.k.a ShadowDragonTV

Visual Artist. Content Creator.

Born in Pohnpei, Micronesia, Shawn Drieberg (24) has lived much of his life in Far North Queensland.

For our interview, we sat at a table edged away from the café so we could talk at our leisure; Shawn choosing an ice-cream while I sipped a thirst-quenching cup of tea. I found he was both polite and respectable, and showed an empathy beyond his years.

Early in life, Shawn realised he was prone to anxiety and depression. He learnt the best way to cope was to do things; and inadvertently, he would sometimes find success. He has a finger in a few pies and as a self-taught film maker he discovered he has a flair for telling stories. His cover of Breaking Benjamin’s song “So Cold” (Hard Rock) is a good example of his talent and sense of humour.

Aside from two movies on the go, he is developing a page called “Life is a Movie”; this will develop into an exciting daily vlog/web series based on the events of his life.

He is often thinking of his next project. As destiny would have it, Shawn recently stumbled onto a short film competition three days before its closure. It was for the “Understory Film Festival”, held at the Cairns Performing Art Centre. With literally three hours to spare, he entered his short film “Locked”. Genre: Horror. (Attached) It is about a method actor, locked in an abandoned haunted house, who gets more than he bargained for!

Short-listed from 73 entries, he went on to become “Runner Up” for “Filmmaker of the Year 2019!”

Congratulations Shawn – the world is your oyster!

The comradeship from KDM, and support from TRACQS, have made the road that little easier to travel. Shawn said: “Life will always have its ups and downs; everyone experiences it and you’re not alone, so just ride the wave and keep going forward.”

Writer: Mary Callahan
Film: Shawn Drieberg

Community Development Program (CDP)

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHF5TQZxY5xM%26fbclid%3DIwAR0ZbppDITyA9AQTv614HuG1TknVlcXk3XreTOU3VxDAvl2ItaS-crTG05Y&h=AT0NAGVoeaixSDqGwH3QHMbg402BMVvryibCe6gIZxdPqHxg-jCFpkFl0MLsKsNpSXfOkjoy2iwkmTGJtdjzRh6eU3ehSq20H0R8CmT84bvZKTSddoklQf5-ii6F24tEqrs

Runner-up At Understory Film Festival Title: "Locked" Run Time: 7:53 Genre: Horror, Psychological Horror, Pseudo-Found Footage Made in 3 days only 1 Person.....

22/10/2019

Monday’s CUBASE class.

Isaac, Benjamin, Isiah, Darnce, and Leandrew of KDM were in fine form recently, learning the basics of Cubase in our Whisper Room. Cubase is a computer-based digital audio workstation that enables the user to create, produce, mix, and record a variety of sounds.

This week’s lesson was about mixing. Afterwards, they freestyled with Hip Hop and downloaded the beats from the internet. Hip hop is a genre of popular music developed in the early 70’s. The term hip means trendy or fashionable, and the hop is the leaping movement. It is more rhyming and delivery of words to a beat, than singing.

Education is the key to the future. The outcome to these lessons may well lead participants to a profession in music, producing, or engineering. The sky is the limit!

And who knows, a masterpiece may just be around the corner!

Writer: Mary Callahan
Photography: Ross Wilson

18/10/2019

Families Gathering in the Park - KURANDA
10th October 2019

“To anyone out there who’s hurting—it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It is a sign of strength.” – Barack Obama

Queensland Mental Health Week (5th-13th October) is a time to get together, raise awareness, and give support to those in need. The theme this year is Su***de Prevention. Every year, in the world, close to 800,000 people take their own life, and there are many more who attempt su***de.

Mental health effects how we think, feel, and act. Good mental health allows us to form and maintain good relationships. It gives us the ability to learn. It gives us the ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty. It is vital, every step of the way.

Last week Ngoonbi* hosted a “Families Gathering in the Park” event for the people of Kuranda and surrounds, to mark the day for Mental Health Week. Centenary Park came alive at 3pm as the people began to arrive. It was a time to celebrate Kinsfolk. Family. Mob. Clan. Call it what you will, to merge and support one another.

Some used the time to serve free food, man the various marquees, or help with the little one’s arts, crafts, or games. Others enriched the time both culturally, and spiritually, by dance and song. The rest sat back in the shade, and enjoyed the performances!

Six participants from our KDM group stepped up to the challenge. Rocky sang a few tunes at the start. Ben Riley danced and sang a few originals at the closing; Suzy B sang a wonderful version of Desperado by the Eagles, and Imagine by John Lennon. Ashley and Ann-Marie, aka ASHANN (YouTube) sang a few deadly originals; the lovely Velma Apo Au sang a few tunes with her family group.

Attached is a video of the day which we hope you all enjoy.

Many thanks to Ngoonbi, and all involved, for holding this amazing event.

NUWAL MUNDU (One Heart)
NUWAL WURRAY MAYN (One Spirit Rising)

*Community Services Indigenous Corporation

Writer: Mary Callahan
Videography: Paul Maxwell
Photography: Mary Callahan
Lunar Solar Moon
Film Editing: Ross Wilson
Music: “Truth” by Shallou

08/10/2019

FAMILY FUN DAY
October 2019
Centenary Park, Kuranda

Family Fun Day! The gentle strum of a guitar, the smell of sizzling onions, happy children, sunbeams; what more could you ask for?

In 1992, a group of capable and kind-hearted people decided to form a group that would benefit the community. Beginning on a voluntary basis, for nine years, it has expanded to become what it is today: Kuranda Neighbourhood Centre and Associates. Government funded, proactive, and a lifesaver.

The Family Fun Day was a day to celebrate and highlight the services. Information desks manned by groups and volunteers included the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS), Gambling Help, Domestic Violence Services, and Act For Kids – Preventing and Treating Child Abuse and activities.

A lot of good advice from some lovely people!

For our part, participant Lunar Solarmoon from TRACQS/Kuranda Digital Media (KDM) was hired by Kuranda Neighbourhood Centre to set up with his guitar and sing for the crowds. I undertook the assignment of reporter and snapper. Fellow touring musicians Simon and Jess also played a lovely set. I saw Eugenio Felice from Kuranda Photography (KP) in the distance crouching down to capture that elusive shot; I might add he nailed it!

Acknowledgement to all the good people who worked behind the scenes, the setting up of marquees, food prep, perfectly mowed lawns, litter-free areas, the cleaning up afterwards!

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”.
Helen Keller, (USA) 1880-1968:

Writer: Mary Callahan
Photographer: Mary Callahan

24/09/2019

SZARA FOX

Musician

Szara Fox is a singer/songwriter who has recently spent time with us. Born in the Netherlands, Szara has an extensive background in music, art, and acting. She began playing the drums at the tender age of eight; studied vocals at eighteen, and guitar at twenty-four.

She sings with her voice in Smokey Gypsy blues. A poetry writer, her songs are about the connection to freedom: earth, fire, water, air, and spirit.

Utilising the facilities provided by our Service Provider TRACQS, Szara was able to go one step further in reaching her goals. Help was on hand every step of the way by the supervisor and participants.

In the quiet isolation of the Whisper Room, Szara was able to apply herself to study and learn Cubase, a digital audio workstation. Over the weeks it became clear. For her efforts: eight original songs edited, mixed and mastered. It is a great outcome. Go Szara!

The next chapter beckons and this talented lady is on her way south to find fame and fortune, and we wish her all the best. It was lovely to meet you Szara!

(Facebook “ Szara Szara”)

Writer: Mary Callahan

Photography supplied by Vibrant Imaging and Szara Fox

29/08/2019

MATTEO CASIGLIERI



Orchid Grower/ Chef



Father of two, Matteo, 44, joined us here at KDM about three weeks ago. In this time, he has started to learn web page design via the WIX program. He is well on his way to building a workable website for his nursery business “Orchids.Scent”.



Attached is a picture of Matteo, and two of the many flowers that he and his wife Mirella grow, the Dendrobium Bellatulum and the Phalaenopsis Pallens.



Orchids are the perfect gift and represent luxury, love, beauty, and strength but are difficult to grow and require special care. It is a learning process, and a journey that Matteo is keen to travel to secure a promising future; and we wish him all the best!



Orchids.Scent (E-Bay)



Writer: Mary Callahan

Photography: Matteo Casiglieri, Mary Callahan

20/08/2019

ERBSMAN HEALING

Lawrence Sam, a.k.a Erbs



Erbs, 54, and father of three, is a man on a mission. In his formative years, he lived in both London and Guyana, South America and worked as an electrical engineer and caterer. Over the years he always held an interest in health and herbs and studied it extensively, sharing it with family and friends. Gradually, he grasped the true calling of his life, and realised his help was needed further afield!

He leans towards holistic healing – the mind-set to look after the entire person: mind, body, and spirit - via herbs, diet, and lifestyle.

Leading a bohemian lifestyle living in a campervan, Erbs ventured up to North Queensland and found us here at KDM via TRACQS the service provider. He is most appreciative of the space that the office provides, as well as the assistance and guidance towards the growth of a business. He has two pages on facebook (ERBSMAN HEALING), and is currently working on a web page with the help of fellow participants in the group.

Erbs designs a program suited to the individual. The aim is to improve your acid-alkaline balance, flush out the toxins, cleanse and nourish the body, and counsel the soul. The herbs, which he mixes himself, include nettles, mullien, eyebright, astragalus to name a few. Healing is a natural process and is different from person to person and requires a lifetime commitment.

Erbs added it is based out of love; he enjoys helping, and is happy giving something back to humanity. I asked him to give me one of his quotes:

“In the darkness is where the light shines the brightest”

We wish Erbs all the best, and hope his business will expand to benefit many people in the future.

Writer: Mary Callahan

Photography: Erbsman Healing, Mary Callahan

17/07/2019

VOICE. TREATY. YOUTH.

Let’s work together for a shared future.

Attached is a short video we would like to share with you of our recent NAIDOC Day. It was one of those perfect days, just before the cooler weather set in. Filmed by our talented Eugenio Felice, it captures the mood on the streets and the Kuranda Amphitheatre. It was a great day of music, dancing, and bonding with like-minded people.

Looking back at the history of this event, times have surely changed for the better. From the early days of protest marches a century ago, to the celebrations of today, NAIDOC has become a day of great cultural significance. Since 1972, there has been a theme introduced each year, highlighting and educating the public to the plight of the Indigenous.

This year the theme is Voice. Treaty. Truth. They are the three key elements to the reforms set out in the “Uluru Statement from the Heart”. The words stand for three key reforms; a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and second, a Makarrata* Commission to supervise treaty processes and truth-telling.

"Treaty means an international agreement concluded between States in written form and governed by international law, whether embodied in a single instrument or in two or more related instruments and whatever its particular designation." This, from Article 1 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Onwards and upwards! It is one step closer!

Many thanks to the ongoing support of TRACQS.

*Makarrata is a word from the language of the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land. The Yolngu concept of Makarrata captures the idea of two parties coming together after a struggle, healing the divisions of the past. It is about acknowledging that something has been done wrong, and it seeks to make things right.

Writer: Mary Callahan

Camera and Editing: Eugenio Felice

KDM naidoc day film

17/07/2019

KDM recently assisted in the making of a short video which has been produced to promote the Healthy Farming Futures Project, a government funded incentive designed to help farmers introduce better practices for retaining soil quality and quantity, through practical and economical strategies.

In the video Sally Fields, the Intensive Agricultural Officer, describes what the project entails and gives a brief explanation of some of the project’s goals for farmers who participate in the scheme.

The video required an introductory narration by 10 year old Elijah Fields, so KDM was able to fully assist with the recording and mastering of the necessary script. Elijah did extremely well reading his parts and the resulting video turned out to be a great success. Another great outcome for KDM, with special thanks to TRACQS for their ongoing support.

An introduction to what the Healthy Farming Futures Project is all about. It is being run by Northern Gulf's own Agricultural Officer and Agronomist, Sally F...

09/07/2019

HOLLY ROCHELLE READE
Recent KDM Participant

After a short trial, Holly has achieved permanent part-time employment at Spunkaroo Kollections, Kuranda! Her main duties are selling clothing and accessories and operating the cash register.

Hired and trained by owner Jodie, Holly told me she felt empowered and more confident, regardless of the mistakes she has made. Her love of photography and style, and her sweet disposition, will surely set Holly’s future in the retail and fashion industry.

We congratulate you Holly and wish you the all the best on your journey!

Do what you can, with all you have, wherever you are.*
*Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919)

Writer: Mary Callahan
Photo: Holly Rochelle Reade

03/07/2019

Firstly, we would like to give a big Thank you and Farewell to our Service Provider RISE, who have supported us both financially, and emotionally, in our quest to find employment. We wish them all the best and hope they have a positive outcome for the future.

At the same time, we warmly welcome our new Service Provider TRACQS who have come onboard this week with Mali at the wheel. There has certainly been an air of mystery the last few weeks as we wondered how the change-over would unfold. We look forward to getting to know the new faces and welcoming back the ones we already know!

Photography: Greg Hillman of Kuranda Photography
Writer: Mary Callahan

02/07/2019

https://youtu.be/gNq2qYfZ_N0

These Boots Were Made For Walking - Originally written by Lee Hazelwood and performed Nancy Sinatra
Covered by Suzy B

Suzy B's cover version of the hit song, recorded with the help of a few friends (Ross Wilson/guitars, Mario Bien Aime/bass, Lunar SM/drums) was completed recently
with a video filmed and edited by Eugenio Felice and co-starring Rob Morgan and two of Suzy's family members (Joanne Battenn and Josie Kellett). Ross Wilson completed the mixing and mastering. The project was a lot of fun for all concerned with plenty of laughs along the way and with very pleasing results. Congratulations to Suzy B on her great vocals! Another worthy mission successfully concluded by KDM!
Big thanks to RISE for their support in making creative dreams come true!

cover song