Each year, the City of Greater Bendigo marks National Reconciliation Week with the Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival (CVIFF), a region-wide showcase of First Nations films, videos, documentaries, discussions and stories. As part of the CVIFF, YO Bendigo supports the Koorie Youth Flick Fest, a short filmmaking competition for First Nations young people. Young mob submit their short films exploring the annual theme. The winners are then screened and announced at the CVIFF launch every year.
On the 27th of May, the Bendigo Library was host to the Koorie Youth Flick Fest, which officially launched the 2026 Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival! The theme for 2026 was ‘Deadly’. First Nations young people were invited to showcase what ‘Deadly’ means to them.
The launch attracted a full crowd to fill the amphitheatre, despite the cold and wet weather, showing the strength and support within and for local First Nations communities. The launch began with a Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony in the Bendigo Library Gardens by Djaara Elder, Aunty Peta, before everyone was ushered inside and out of the cold to the amphitheatre.
Fiona, from the City of Greater Bendigo, began the screening with a heartfelt and warm thank you to the Dja Dja Warrung and Taungurung peoples, on who’s land many of the short films were shot. Fiona spoke about the history of the Koorie Youth Flick Fest, speaking on how important it is because it has given many First Nations young people a platform to share their stories and culture and to showcase what it means to them. Mayor Cr. Thomas Prince then gave a speech about National Reconciliation Week, and the City's Reconciliation Plan, Barpangu.
This year's winners, who won $1000, a certificate and a paid for trip to Federation Square for a dedicated screening of their films during NAIDOC Week are:
Neika Randall (Yaegl and Bundjalung) – ‘Find Your Deadly’. Neika is proud to be both Yaegl and Bundjalung, and enthusiastically showed off her deadly inspirations, which included her uncle, her teacher, and her aunt.
Zoe & Phoebe Gash (Wannawura) – ‘Our Wannawura Language’. Zoe and Phoebe are sisters and proud Wannawura women. Their film highlights the importance of having inspirational and deadly role models to look up to, such as First Nations sportswomen across a range of sports.
This year's Honourable Mention, who took home a $250 JB HI-FI gift card and certificate:
Spencer Jackson – ‘Deadly’. Spencer’s film explores the difference between his internal view of himself vs how he presents himself externally as a -deadly- First Nations man.
The winning films have been uploaded to The City of Greater Bendigo’s YouTube, for anyone that missed the launch. Click this link to check them out: 2026 Koorie Youth Flick Fest Films
After the awards ceremony and screenings came to an end, attendees were invited to indulge in some catering from Peppergreen Farm, including delicious party pies, sausage rolls, a tray of various sweet treats and a fruit platter. After some mingling and chat, attendees were called back to the amphitheatre to enjoy a Q&A and an incredible performance by proud Noongar Yorga woman and talented singer/songwriter, Rhaedel Pickett.
Thank you to everyone who came along to the event to celebrate the stories and achievements of young First Nations people. Congratulations to all the winners, and to everyone who shared their stories in the last 6 years of the Koorie Youth Flick Fest.