Output list
Film
Performance date 2019
3Es to Freedom exhibition, 26/04/2019–29/06/2019, Helensvale, Qld; Lismore, NSW; Coffs Harbour, NSW
Research background: The researchers have worked collaboratively with an NGO for a period of four years to document a program seeking to support women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The documentation has been realised in creative and written forms, and has included the production of multiple films, a book, written reports, journal articles and a series of art exhibitions.
Research contribution: The creative works were shared widely with three geographically diverse communities in Northern NSW and Southern QLD. The idea to create art exhibitions was conceived by members of the research team and presented to the NGO as an engaging way to share the women’s successes and build bridges to the community, as well as to foster acceptance of cultural diversity. The research team provided curatorial input into the Coffs Harbour and Lismore exhibitions. One researcher filmed and edited a video that was installed in each exhibition. A 150 page full colour book capturing the essence of the program through photos and words was collaboratively produced by the researchers, staff and participants. One researcher edited the book with input from the other researchers. The creative products have been used to inform funders, partners and other researchers about the successes of the program, present findings at national and international conferences, and share the women's stories to enhance understanding of migrant experiences.
Research significance: Documenting the women’s experiences of the program in creative forms and sharing this through public exhibitions and the book has significantly enhanced their sense of confidence and belonging in their new communities. Communities have responded positively in welcoming the women participants. With significant input from the research team, the program was acknowledged a finalist in the Australian Migration and Settlement Awards (2019). Additionally, the team won the SCU Impact Award for Social Justice (2019). The researchers have been invited to facilitate additional exhibitions, including an exhibition at the Ignite Gallery, Ballina and multiple satellite exhibitions on all Southern Cross University campuses.
Film
The last refuge: food stories from Myanmar to Coffs Harbour
Published 2015
More than 300 people from Myanmar have settled in the regional town of Coffs Harbour, Australia. Some of these settlers have spent more than 20 years in refugee camps. They have fled their homeland with little more than their memories and their stories. But these memories allow their traditions to continue. And food can play an important role in reproducing this cultural identity.
This film was completed as part of Doctor of Philosophy research in the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University.
The full film (25 minutes) has screened in film festivals in Australia, Europe and North America, including:
Film screenings (Festival selection):
Viscult Festival of Visual Culture, Finland, 2015;
One with a Movie Camera, Germany, 2015;
Ethnografilm, France, 2016;
Colourfest, Australia, 2016
Film
The last refuge: food stories from Myanmar to Coffs Harbour - Trailer
Published 2015
More than 300 people from Myanmar have settled in the regional town of Coffs Harbour, Australia. Some of these settlers have spent more than 20 years in refugee camps. They have fled their homeland with little more than their memories and their stories. But these memories allow their traditions to continue. And food can play an important role in reproducing this cultural identity.
This film was completed as part of Doctor of Philosophy research in the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University.
The full film (25 minutes) has screened in film festivals in Australia, Europe and North America, including:
Film screenings (Festival selection):
Viscult Festival of Visual Culture, Finland, 2015;
One with a Movie Camera, Germany, 2015;
Ethnografilm, France, 2016;
Colourfest, Australia, 2016