Each year, the City of Greater Bendigo and YO Bendigo partner on the Koorie Youth Flick Fest - a short filmmaking competition for First Nations young people living in Central Victoria. 

I spoke with Terri Flaherty, one of the 2025 winners of the Koorie Youth Flick Fest, to find out more! 

Firstly, huge congrats on your win at the 2025 Koorie Youth Flick Fest! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Thanks! My name’s Terri, I’m 18, and I’m a proud Wurundjeri woman. I’m currently in Year 12 at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, and I’ve spread my classes out so I can help at home – which means I’ll be back for Year 13 next year. I’m part of the Indigenous Advisory group at BSSC, and we meet at a space called Scholars Hut. I’m also in the Weenthunga Health Network’s Big Sis, Little Sis program. Creativity is a big part of my life – I love performing, writing, painting, and sharing art. I’ve been in two school productions: Big Fish and The Addams Family (where I played Morticia!). I also play and coach netball for the Boomerangs Netball Club, and I’ve recently started training with the Bendigo Bunjils Football Netball club as well.

 So, what inspired you to enter the Flick Fest? How did your film come to life? 

I first saw the Flick Fest advertised at school a few years ago and was super keen, but I didn’t have the time back then. When it came around again this year, I knew I had to go for it. Over the past few years, I’ve been reconnecting with my culture, and this felt like the perfect moment. Honestly, I didn’t expect to win! This year’s theme, My Mob, My Place, really hit home for me. I was born and raised on Djaara land, away from my Country, and that’s made me feel out of place at times. Yarning with my mum and friends, I realised a lot of us share that feeling. I wanted to tell that story, so others know they’re not alone. 

Do you do any other art? Where can we find more of your work? 

Definitely! I love painting. One of my pieces was featured in the Balance exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery through the Weenthunga Health Network. It was about the cycle of life, using spirals and shapes – and it sold for around $200, which was wild! I also painted a healing piece for my best friend’s mum after she got out of hospital. I don’t have a social media page for my art yet, but I’m working on something. I really enjoy using geometric shapes in my work.

What made you get into art? 

I’ve always loved drawing. I find making art really peaceful. It helps me clear my head after a big day. 

What was your favourite part of being involved in the Koorie Youth Flick Fest?

Honestly, the whole experience! Meeting other young mob and hearing their stories was amazing. Writing the script was really cathartic – it helped me express how I feel. I did hit a rough patch near the deadline. I didn’t have all the footage I wanted, and then my phone started glitching, which made recording and editing tough. Luckily, Grace from Youth Outreach Recovery Support helped by letting me use their film studio. Seeing it all come together in the end was so rewarding. 

All the winning films from the last 5 years of the Koorie Youth Flick Fest are on the City’s Youtube, and there are some really cool films! Were there other films from the Koorie Youth Flick Fest that you liked? 

Yes! Cohen’s film – the other winner this year – was awesome. My cousin’s friend also got an Honourable Mention last year. Watching everyone’s films and seeing their pride in sharing their stories was really powerful.

I heard you recently went to Fed Square for a special screening of your film on the big screen. That sounds amazing! How did that feel? 

It was such a fun day going there with all my family and friends, and watching all of the films was really empowering! The food was so yummy at our lunch at Time Out. The overall experience of it, I just don’t even know how to put it into words… It was just really eye-opening, seeing what could be in store for my future.

Your film has been screened in so many places this year! How does it feel seeing it everywhere? 

It’s been shown in a lot of places and so many people have seen it, which is crazy! It was at the Bendigo Library, BDAC NAIDOC Family Day, Fed Square, at the NAIDOC flag-raising. Sometimes I am like ‘oh I should’ve done this or that’ but really, I’m just glad I got to share my story and I hope it resonates with others. 

Is there anything you would’ve done differently or want to try again next year? 

I’m really happy with how my film turned out, especially being able to include others like Caden, who recorded didgeridoo for the soundtrack. I’m definitely entering again next year – just not sure what story I’ll tell yet! 

The theme probably has a lot to do with how you make your film and what story you tell. What kind of theme are you hoping for next year? 

I’ve really liked all the themes so far – this year’s really resonated with me. I’m not sure what the theme could be next year, maybe something about connecting to country and culture. Or following on whatever next year’s NAIDOC theme is. 

So, what did you take away from this experience? 

Well firstly, how to use a mic properly! I also learnt about editing softwares. But I think mostly, I’ve walked away feeling more connected, proud of myself and being more open!

What are you up to now and what’s next for you? 

Right now, I’m prepping for exams – which is a lot! I’m also training with the Bendigo Bunjils FNC and still painting. I’ve just been accepted into the City of Greater Bendigo’s First Nations Youth Mural program, which is super exciting. A small group of us are designing a mural for Chancery Lane. And yep – I’ve already started thinking about next year’s Flick Fest!

What an inspiring young person! Thanks for sitting down with me and sharing your stories Terri! 

For any young First Nations people interested in being involved in the Koorie Youth Flick Fest next year, it sounds really fun and empowering. Sign up to the YO Bendigo newsletter and watch out for next year's competition in early 2026!

Interview by Dorothy