19 Nov 2020
Dubbo College Delroy Campus Year 9 student, Matilda Backus has been awarded the national winner in the junior category of the ‘Videos for Change’ competition.
A selection of Delroy Campus students chose to enter their creative video works into the national competition, ‘Videos for Change’, resulting in three finalist announcements for the school, and most recently a national winner in the junior category.
‘Videos for Change’ is a national film competition encouraging students across Australia to become involved, get creative and be heard as students. The competition encourages young people from years 7-12 to create a 60-second video on a social issue they feel passionate about.
Ms Jessica Sinclair who teaches Visual Arts at Delroy Campus was impressed by the standard of works this year and was excited to hear of Matilda’s success.
“Firstly, and most importantly, congratulations to Matilda. She definitely earnt it.” Ms Sinclair said.
“Matilda worked incredibly hard through the process, she’s a very talented young girl, and it’s pleasing to see her efforts being rewarded” she said.
This is the second year that Delroy Campus has chosen to embed ‘Videos for Change’ into their teaching and learning programs.
‘Videos for Change’ is a way for students to get involved, get creative and be heard. It is not a traditional film competition, but considered to be “a challenge with a cause!”
The ‘Videos for Change’ competition selected just 10 finalists in each of the junior and senior categories from hundreds of entries submitted from across Australia.
Matilda Backus was recognised for her work entry titled 'I wish I was like her', Brielle Lord for her work titled ‘My Family’ and Maddy Newstead for her works titled ‘Substance Abuse'.
Year 9 student and national winner, Matilda Backus said she liked that the project offered her an opportunity to relate to others and share her ideas.
“At times, I personally get affected by seeing other people, and comparing myself to them on social media.” Matilda said.
“I believe a lot of other teenagers can relate to my video”
“It’s been nice to have a platform to connect with other people” she said.
Matilda admits her national award winning call took her by surprise.
“I was so happy to about winning – it definitely took me by surprise” Matilda said.
Delroy Campus Principal, Mrs Debbie Head was full of praise for her students.
“It’s so exciting for Delroy Campus to have a student acknowledged on a national level – Matilda’s video was very moving and told a thought provoking story” Mrs Head said.
“It’s really exciting that Delroy Campus boasts three finalists; and a national winner - the quality of the work they produced was outstanding” she said.
Mrs Head acknowledged her talented teaching staff and praised their passion and commitment.
“I am extremely proud of my teaching team, especially Ms Sinclair and Mrs McConnell, and thank them for everything they have done to support the students with sharing their stories”
“It’s great to see Videos for Change providing a platform for students to have their voice” she said.
To view Matilda’s winning video, visit australia.videosforchange.org/voting