What's Born Blak?
Born Blak is a program that aims to increase representation and create opportunities for First Nations content creators, who have been underrepresented in Australian marketing and communications for far too long.
What makes Born Blak unique is that it’s a long-term commitment to foster, educate, and mentor emerging First Nations content creators, providing them with the skills and connections to increase access to commercial opportunities. More than anything though, we want to amplify Indigenous voices in mainstream media and facilitate greater access to Indigenous perspectives.
Who’s involved?
Born Blak is a joint initiative between talent and influencer marketing agency, Born Bred, and leading communications group, Publicis Groupe (spearheaded by Publicis Groupe PR and influencer agency, Herd MSL).
Development of the program has been and will continue to be guided by the Born Blak Advisory Panel, which comprises of:
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Matty Mills, proud Gamilaraay/ Kamilaroi man | TV presenter, actor, podcaster and entertainment reporter for NiTV
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Yvonne Weldon, proud Wiradijuri woman | Australian local government politician, Deputy Chairwoman of Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
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Cody Schaeffer OAM, proud Quandamooka man | Australia’s youngest OAM recipient for 2023, Founder and Director of Borderline Australia, QLD Nominee Young Australian of the Year 2022, Brisbane's 2020 Young Citizen of the Year, ex-radio presenter and mental health advocate
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Tom Forrest, proud Yorta Yorta man | ABC Kimberley Indigenous Trainee Features Reporter, film maker, content creator @outbacktom
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Tilly Langford, proud Gumbaynggirr woman | Student Ambassador & Gadigal Centre Assistant at The University of Sydney. ACTU TikTok Creator @YoungWorkers. Content Creator & Blak Activist
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Samuel Stubbs, proud Wangkatha man | WAFL player, Aboriginal Engagement Officer at Perth Football Club, TikTok content creator @s.stubbs23
Why it's important
Our research shows that 79% of Australians can’t name any brands that have featured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their campaigns. Born Blak strives to address the chronic imbalance of Australian brands and media unconsciously defaulting to work with stereotypical Australian influencers. The program will help to drive tangible commercial partnerships and monetisation opportunities for First Nations creators by facilitating connections with culturally responsive businesses.
Spread the word
In its inaugural year, the Born Blak program will welcome 10 accomplished First Nations content creators to participate. Help us spread the word and encourage eligible applicants to apply through our www.bornblak.com.au. Applications close on Friday 14 July 2023.
For more information, or to understand how you can get involved, please email us via born_blak@herdmsl.com.au