For Umeewarra Media, winning a Governor's Multicultural Award in 2025 meant a lot more than taking home a trophy.
"Receiving this award was a very proud moment," Vince Coulthard, CEO of the Port Augusta-based First Nations media centre, said.
"It recognised who we are as an Aboriginal community controlled organisation, but it also recognised something very special about the community we are part of."
Umeewarra Media won last year's Media Award, recognising the outlet as a vital force in cultural preservation and education, uniting more than 40 Aboriginal cultures that call Port Augusta home. It was also a finalist in the Regional Achievement Award category.
Delivering radio, digital media and youth programs, Umeewarra was commended for its efforts in strengthening cultural pride and fostering understanding across South Australia.
"Port Augusta is an incredibly diverse community," Mr Coulthard said.
"At Umeewarra Media, we are proud to be strongly grounded in Aboriginal culture while also creating a place where the many cultures within our community are welcomed, respected and celebrated.
"Receiving this award validated our belief that culture brings people together. Being strong and proud in our own Aboriginal culture gives us a foundation from which we can listen, learn, share and build relationships with people from many different cultural backgrounds."
Mr Coulthard said the Umeewarra Media team was most proud of the fact that it had created a place where Aboriginal people could tell their own stories in their own voices, while also opening its doors to the wider multicultural community.
"Through our radio station, programs and community events, we provide opportunities for people to share their music, language, stories, traditions and experiences with each other," he said.
"We are particularly proud of the connections we create between generations. Our Elders hold cultural knowledge, stories and history that need to be preserved and passed on.
"Our young people are learning to be proud of who they are and where they come from, while developing the confidence to become the next generation of storytellers and community leaders."
For Mr Coulthard, the recognition that came with winning a the Media Award helped Umeewarra highlight the important role that community media can play in creating understanding and belonging.
"When people are given the opportunity to tell their own stories and share their own culture, we learn from each other and build stronger relationships," he said.
"The biggest lesson from our journey has been that sharing culture creates connection. Culture gives us identity and strength, but when we share it with others it can also create understanding, respect and a stronger sense of community."
He encouraged others to nominate for the prestigious awards, which are presented at a ceremony at Government House.
"We would encourage people to make a nomination because there are so many people and organisations doing wonderful work to strengthen culture, create understanding and bring communities together," Mr Coulthard said.
"Much of this work happens quietly every day and often without recognition. A nomination is a way of acknowledging those people and letting them know that what they do matters.
"For Umeewarra Media, this award belongs to our whole community. It belongs to our Elders who share their knowledge, our young people who will carry it forward, our Aboriginal community who have built and supported Umeewarra, and the many different cultures that make Port Augusta the diverse community it is today."
There's still time to nominate for the Governor's Multicultural Awards, with submissions closing November 1 at 11pm.
The awards are open to any South Australian organisation, team or individual who has made a significant contribution to advancing or promoting multiculturalism, increasing understanding of the benefits of cultural diversity and strengthening inclusion and community connection across South Australia.
Visit the website to find out more information and submit a nomination. (external site)
