In 2025, SharingStories Foundation continued our ongoing project with the Regional Media Mentorship initiative in Western Australia, led by acclaimed independent filmmaker and photographer Michael Jalaru Torres. The program continues to support the next generation of regional First Nations storytellers by building digital media skills through intensive on-Country training and working with Michael to explore photography, cinematography, drone operation, and editing. The mentorship fostered a collaborative, culturally grounded learning environment where young people developed confidence and skills through hands-on practice and storytelling rooted in community and Country. 

Participants participated in two intensive weekends of creative development as part of the mentorship. The first involved travelling to Perth for workshops alongside the AFL Media team during the AFL Indigenous All Stars Weekend. They had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in a high-energy media environment and gained firsthand experience in event documentation, sports photography, and commercial video production. The second intensive saw participants travel to Brisbane to meet with Sharing Stories Foundation’s internal team and connect with professionals from the arts, design, and street photography sectors. This trip included workshops on printing and image-making and sessions with Indigenous curators and galleries working in the commercial and public arts space. 

This project continues with one of the mentees, Halina Kolatowicz, transforming from mentee, to supported mentor with her own photography workshop in Broome for young First Nations women with a community exhibition of photographs from the workshop.