The Hon Virginia Judge MP
Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts
Launch of Round 3 of mentorship program of Women in Film and Television
AFTRS, Moore Park
Wednesday 16 September, 6pm
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Good evening, everyone … and thank you Tania for your introduction.
Distinguished guests this evening …
- Dr. Jane Roscoe (President, WIFT NSW)
- Screen NSW board members, and
- Screen NSW Chief Executive Tania Chambers
Firstly - and most importantly - let me acknowledge the First Australians on whose land we meet …
… and whose culture we celebrate
… as one of the oldest continuing
cultures in human history.
I am delighted to be here tonight to launch round 3 of the Women in Film and Television Media Mentorship Program.
Many of us here this evening … have been fortunate enough to have had quality … committed mentors in our careers.
Those of us who have … can attest to the invaluable contribution that wise and experienced people can make
… in helping us to progress our ambitions
… to realise our dreams
… and perhaps most importantly
… to learn from mistakes
… hopefully before we make too many of them!
The opportunity to have direct … structured mentorship is
… I believe
… especially important for women
… and especially important in fields of endeavour
… in which men
… and their ways
… have traditionally dominated.
The harnessing of women’s leadership
… and the language used to describe it
… demands its own focus
… if we are to assist our most creative and inspiring women
… to achieve their potential
… for themselves
… and for society.
For this reason … I sincerely commend WIFT for creating this program
… and offer my heartfelt personal congratulations to WIFT
… on the success of the first two rounds of these Media Mentorships
. . . with over 150 applicants accepted into the program
… and more than 60 mentors in 13 different areas.
The NSW Government has identified the creative industries as a priority area to drive innovation and create jobs for NSW
… and we are committed to seeing women realise their full career potential
… in this highly-valued industry.
It is particularly encouraging
… to see women from regional NSW
… and from non-English speaking backgrounds
… benefiting from the experience and insights of these accomplished mentors
… as well as seeing placements in areas of the screen industry
… such as technical … camera and sound roles
… in which women have traditionally been under-represented.
For our part … the State Government is committed to providing tangible support
… to creative industries workers and their projects.
You may know that we recently announced and additional $5 million of funding to Screen NSW
… which will double the Production Investment Fund’s investments
… in NSW films … television … and digital media.
This is expected to attract some $70 million in additional production expenditure … and create up to 1300 new jobs in the industry.
Money is … of course … only part of the equation.
It is the talent … energy … passion … and commitment of its people
… that drives the success of our screen industries
… and it is these inspiring human qualities that we celebrate tonight.
To all the mentors … I say ‘thank you’ for playing your role in helping our film and television makers to find their voice …
… and to the Mentees
… let me congratulate you on your achievements
… and let you know that we look on at your developing careers
… with a great deal of pride
… and a great sense of hope
… for our future together.
ENDS
