Deadly Digital workshops prove a hit to future podcasters

Preserving cultural history, sharing personal trials and triumphs and empowering like-minded women to connect is being made possible through the art of podcasting thanks to Townsville Citylibraries’ award-winning Deadly Digital workshops.

These First Nations community-focused digital literacy workshops, run by Townsville City Council with the support of the State Library of Queensland, have been keenly attended in recent weeks.

The sessions include training in devices, how to record oral history, filming, editing and more and are being run bi-weekly until the end of the year.

The program was recently named a winner in the Queensland Public Libraries Association (QPLA) Awards, receiving the Multicultural Excellence Award – Over 35,000 Population.

Deadly Digital participant Corrine Shepherd said she jumped at the chance to join in on the workshops as a way to explore her culture and personal creativity.

Cloncurry-born and Townsville-raised Ms Shepherd, who recently spent close to a decade working as a producer in performing arts companies in Sydney, said the workshops had been a great opportunity to upskill.

“Podcasting is just something I have been interested in for a long time, but I have not known where to start,” she said.

“I was nervous going to my first session but once I got in there and got to know the other attendees, I felt really comfortable straight away – it’s been a great experience so far.”

Ms Shepherd said on completion of her training, she was keen to start up a podcast exploring the - often unique - life experiences of First Nations Australian women in their 40s.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said Townsville City Council was proud to lend its facilities to support First Nations community members in embracing the digital economy.

Councillor Greaney said the podcasting workshops were designed to grow social and cultural connection across the community, and could also benefit future generations through the take-up of digital memory-keeping.

“Australia’s First Nations communities have been sharing their stories orally for more than 60,000 years, and now with the advent of podcasting there are new opportunities available to capture these legacies to ensure they are never lost,” she said.

“We are delighted by the interest in these workshops so far, and encourage other First Nations locals to register and head along for a session to learn new and exciting skills and to contribute to the preservation of their cultural histories.”

Councillor Vera Dirou said embracing technology and increasing digital literacy was a key aspect of Council’s Corporate Plan.

“Keeping up with the times and embracing the digital world we live in is all part of ensuring we are building a community that is ready for the future,” Cr Dirou said.

“These Deadly Digital workshops are particularly special as part of this as they are all about recognising what is special about the past, and preserving and sharing it.”

The Deadly Digital workshops are running every Tuesday and Thursday until 11 December.

The sessions are free with equipment provided; however bookings are required.

View the Deadly Digital event listing on What's On Townsville for more information or to book a session.

Deadly Digital Communities is an initiative of the Queensland Government’s Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy and is proudly supported by State Library of Queensland.