School of Journalism and Communication celebrates the ‘quietest voices’

Centre staff and Award winners

In a move the Vice-Chancellor called “unique and highly important”, the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) dedicated a week in October to promoting the voices and stories of the most vulnerable and marginalised through the annual Communication for Social Change Award.

Award winners Mr Freddy Mata Matundu, the founder of deaf-mute participatory theatre initiative from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mr Dipak Naker, the co-director of a Raising Voices, a Ugandan organisation preventing violence against children in sub-Saharan Africa, travelled thousands of kilometres for a 10 day visit to Australia to meet and inspire journalism and communication students and academics.

“SJC’s research centre, the Centre for Communication and Social Change, applied a stronger strategic focus to cement partnerships between the winners, people at UQ and other relevant Australian agencies, and enabled the winners to share their wisdom, particularly with UQ students, academics, and community organisations”, said Dr Rhonda Breit, Acting Head of the SJC.

An Australian- inspired barbeque, a free-half day symposium and a Award ceremony attended by almost one hundred people were just some of the activities the Award winners, students, academics and staff took part in.

The free public symposium custom-designed  around the winners’ presentations on Wednesday 19th October attracted 80 students, PhD candidates, community development professionals, advocates and academics, all of whom engaged in discussion about how Australia listens and responds to the most vulnerable and marginalised voices in society.  

Margaret Reynolds, former Minister for Local Government Regional Development and disability advocate, gave an inspiring keynote speech on her strategies for a more inclusive Australia.  Symposium attendees then had the opportunity to join one of two parallel sessions run by the 2011 Award winners. Mr Freddy Mata Matundu facilitated a workshop on participatory theatre and Mr Dipak Naker presented the work of his organisation.

This was followed by a robust panel discussion that saw Margaret Reynolds, representatives from GetUp, Reconciliation Australia, Raising Voices and JAC staff members Associate Professor Pradip Thomas and Dr Nic Carah discussing and sharing their insights and experiences with the audience.

In the evening 90 people including representatives from the African community in Brisbane applauded the efforts of the two winners as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Michael Keniger, presented the 2011 Communication for Social Change Award.

The Award activities were not limited to the University. The winners were introduced to like-minded Brisbane- based community organisations in disability and child abuse prevention, to share their stories and methods. The winners also travelled to Canberra with Pradip to engage with and showcase their work to Australia’s aid agency, AusAID, and other Canberra-based funding organisations.

Interviews with ABC Radio 612 and SBS Sydney ensured that the Award winners’ stories were shared with a wider audience.

Finally, the Centre has also produced a publication, showcasing some of the many outstanding projects and individuals nominated for the 2011 Award. This publication, available online and in hard copy, will promote linkages between organisations and individuals, and raise awareness of the extraordinary work that is being undertaken to transform and empower marginalised communities.

The 2011 Award winners passed on their warmest thanks and highest regards to all staff of the School of Journalism and Communication for the opportunity to visit Australia and the support and kindness they received when they were here.


•    Click here to access 'Listening to the Quietest Voices booklet'. Hard copies available from the Centre office.

•    More photos at the Centre's Flikr and Facebook pages.

•    Videos from the winners and of the Award Ceremony

•    Podcast of the ABC612 Interview with Dipak Naker


 

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