The Back Cover

10/08/2025

A startling analysis has uncovered a sharp drop in school attendance by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they transition from primary to high school, highlighting a critical failure in Australia’s educational policy that demands urgent reform.

Led by University of Queensland (UQ) researchers, the study shows that First Nations students, particularly in remote areas, face a significant “attendance cliff” when moving into secondary school.

A startling analysis has uncovered a sharp drop in school...

17/07/2025

Superstar comedian and Hollywood mogul Kevin Hart is heading back Down Under later this year, announcing a whirlwind three-city Australian tour for his latest stand-up show, Acting My Age.

Kicking off in Perth on September 23rd at RAC Arena, Hart will then hit Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on September 25th, before wrapping up in Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on September 26.

The Acting My Age tour marks Hart’s ninth major comedy tour, and promises a more intimate vibe than his previous sell-out arena shows.

“’Acting my Age’ is my ninth tour and I wanted to change things up by creating a more intimate environment,” Hart said. “This hour is about connecting with the audience and feeding off the crowd’s energy and laughter.”

Read the full story at BACKCOVERNEWS.COM ✨

16/07/2025

Last week, we officially kicked off The Back Cover Youth Creatives Training Hub!

Our very first workshop, Introduction to Journalism, was a powerful start — presented by Mibenge Nsenduluka and the incredible Billy Freeman.

We explored how traditional media is evolving, the role of AI in shaping the future of journalism, and the dangers of the fake news epidemic.

We also broke down the anatomy of a news story — from crafting a strong lead, understanding the nut graph, to building a compelling ending and headline that makes your story sing.

A big thank you to our wonderful participants for showing up with such curiosity and energy — we loved having you in the room!

Next up: Journalism & Content Creation featuring Uncle Charles Pakana on July 25th — trust me, you won’t want to miss it!📣 This program is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.Sign up today at BACKCOVERMEDIA.COM

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13/07/2025

Words by

Usher fans are still in the dark after the R&B superstar suddenly pulled the plug on his highly anticipated Australian tour—without offering a clear reason why.

The multi-platinum Texan artist, real name Usher Raymond IV, was set to perform 12 arena shows across Melbourne and Sydney this November and December as part of his Past Present Future World Tour.

But on July 4, the entire run was abruptly cancelled, with little more than a vague statement and a refund notice from Ticketek.

Now, emerging speculation suggests the cancellation may have had less to do with vague “unforeseen circumstances” and more to do with…

Read the full story at BACKCOVERNEWS.COM ✨

25/06/2025

Journalist Antoinette Lattouf has won her unfair dismissal case against the ABC after the Federal Court ruled she was unlawfully removed from her role as a fill-in host on ABC Radio Sydney’s Mornings program in December 2023.

Lattouf was hired for a five-day casual stint but was told not to come in for the last two days of her contract.

The decision followed her sharing a post on social media from Human Rights Watch about the Israel-Gaza conflict. Lattouf argued that her dismissal was a result of her political views, following a wave of complaints from pro-Israel supporters.

The ABC denied any wrongdoing, claiming her removal wasn’t politically motivated, but the court disagreed.

On Wednesday morning, Justice Darryl Rangiah ruled that the ABC had breached the Fair Work Act, awarding Lattouf $70,000 in compensation for emotional distress and reputational damage.

READ THE FULL STORY AT BACKCOVERNEWS.COM ✨

18/06/2025

🎤 School holidays are coming… why not start with something powerful?

Join us Friday 11 July in Carlton for a FREE media workshop where you’ll dive into podcasting, journalism, videography & content creation. 🎥🔥

No boring lectures. Just real skills, inspiring creatives, and hands-on learning.

✨ Free to join
✨ No experience needed
✨ Travel support for regional participants

🗓️ Friday 11 July
🕐 12:30PM–2:30PM
📍 Carlton
🔗 Register now: backcovermedia.com

Spots are limited — don’t miss your chance to create, connect & level up. 💥

15/06/2025

Warning: This article contains the names and details of deceased Aboriginal people.

The lawns outside the Alice Springs courthouse have once again become a sacred ground for mourning.

Smoke from smouldering eucalyptus leaves curls into the dry desert air as Warlpiri elders stand barefoot in grief. Beside them, signs bearing a single name: Kumanjayi White.

The 24-year-old Aboriginal man with disabilities died last month after being restrained by Northern Territory police inside a supermarket. His family says he was hungry.

Instead of receiving care, he was pinned down by multiple officers—one reportedly placing a knee to the back of his neck. He became unresponsive and died shortly afterwards.

Warning: This article contains the names and details of deceased...

10/06/2025

🎤 MEET THE MENTORS behind The Back Cover Youth Creatives Training Hub

This year’s FREE workshop series features an incredible lineup of media professionals dedicated to empowering the next generation of storytellers.

✨ Mibengé Nsenduluka – Journalist and founder of The Back Cover

✨ Uncle Charles Pakana – Veteran Aboriginal journalist and community broadcaster; founder of Victorian Aboriginal News

✨ Billy Freeman – Senior sub-editor with 25+ years in top Australian newsrooms

✨ Frederick McHenry – Videographer and creative director with global brand experience

✨ Arjun Raju – Digital strategist and founder of Orange Hawk Media

Whether you’re into journalism, podcasting, videography or digital content, these mentors bring the real-world insights to help you grow.

📍 In-person (Melbourne)
🗓️ 11 July – 3 October 2025
💸 100% FREE | Supported by the Victorian Government
✈️ Travel support for regional youth
🎓 Certificate of completion provided
📲 Register now – spots are limited! Visit Backcovermedia.com

07/06/2025

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

We’re so excited to share that Back Cover Media is officially partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver free, in-person media training workshops for multicultural youth in Melbourne! 🎉

This is a huge step toward empowering the next generation of diverse storytellers through practical skills in journalism, podcasting, videography and content creation.

📅 Workshops launch 11 July and run through to 3 October 2025 — and registrations are now open

👉 backcovermedia.com/workshop-training

Stay tuned — we’ll be revealing our incredible lineup of mentors next week 👀

01/06/2025

Words by Oliviah Wangala ✍️

Melbourne is gearing up to host one of its most vibrant cultural celebrations this spring, with the inaugural Thrive: Multicultural Women’s Festival set to take over Federation Square on Saturday, 1 November.

Backed by prominent partners and driven by a bold mission to elevate marginalised voices, Thrive is expected to become one of the largest multicultural women’s festivals in the city.

Organisers have issued a call-out to food trucks, market stallholders, performers and fashion designers to be part of the high-energy, one-day celebration, which will feature a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment, cultural performances, workshops and an open-air fashion showcase.

The festival is a collaborative initiative led by Back Cover Media in partnership with Multicultural Women Victoria (MWV) and the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH)—two powerhouse organisations known for championing diversity, inclusion and economic empowerment across the state.

Read the full story at BACKCOVERNEWS.COM ✨

31/05/2025

When the world shut down during the pandemic, millions of students swapped classrooms for computer screens.

What began as a crisis response has since evolved into a seismic shift: more learners than ever are turning to online platforms to gain skills, change careers, and question the very need for traditional degrees.

From coding bootcamps to mental health first aid courses, platforms like Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning are making it possible to access education with just a Wi-Fi connection.

But a critical question looms: can online learning really replace a formal qualification?

As online platforms grow in credibility and scale, education is...

29/05/2025

Words by ✍️

Africa Day Gala in Canberra: A Celebration of Culture, Diplomacy, and Unity Through Dance and Cuisine

At the heart of Canberra, the Rex Hotel came alive with the vibrant rhythms, tantalising aromas, and colourful costumes of Africa as dignitaries, ambassadors, and members of the African diaspora gathered to celebrate Africa Day.

This annual celebration, held on May 25 to mark the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, is a moment for reflection and unity—honouring Africa’s achievements while looking forward to a future of continued progress and solidarity.

Ambassadors from nations like Zambia, Algeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and beyond led the evening’s proceedings, their presence underscoring the diversity and richness of Africa’s cultural landscape.

The festivities began with a heartfelt toast to His Majesty King Charles III and the people of the Commonwealth of Australia, followed by an inspiring address from Zimbabwean Ambassador to Australia, Joe Mhishi.

Read the full story at BACKCOVERNEWS.COM ✨