Like so many of us, Chevon McKenzie remembered watching Behind the News in the classroom, though she never thought that one day she would be behind the news herself.
Key points:
- Young First Nations woman Chevon McKenzie has been interning on ABC’s Behind the News
- Ms McKenzie had her start at Port Augusta Aboriginal community media provider, Umeewarra Media
- The ABC aims for 3.4 per cent of its workforce to be Indigenous by August 2022
The 19-year-old was given the opportunity to intern for a month at ABC TV’s Behind the News (BTN), an accessible current affairs program aimed at upper primary and high school students.
“On the first day I was really nervous, I was really shaky but I just put a smile on my face,” Ms McKenzie said.
The Adnyamathanha, Arabana, Ngarrindjeri and Nurrunga woman is a volunteer at Port Augusta community radio station Umeewarra Aboriginal Media.
In just over a year she picked up live broadcast, filming and presenting skills.
With dreams growing up of working in the media, Ms McKenzie never really thought it would be an option for her.
Supplied: Chevon McKenzie
)“It was kind of shocking to me.
“I was thinking of other different careers like teaching or being a vet or a nurse.”
Using her voice
Ms McKenzie hoped to set an example for other aspiring First Nations journalists like herself to use their voices and get involved in the media.
The ABC hopes Indigenous people will make up 3.4 per cent of its workforce by August 2022.
“I just want young people to know that they don’t have to be afraid.”
Reflecting on how far she has come in such a short amount of time, Ms McKenzie became emotional.
Supplied: Chevon McKenzie
)She feels lucky to have ongoing support from those that have known her the longest.
“Some of them have told me I’ve gone so far in my life and that I’ve even become more sociable and been able to control my anxiety.”
Camera-shy
Though Ms McKenzie was calm in front of the camera, her confidence increased exponentially since working for both Umeewarra TV and her stint at BTN.
“I’m still even struggling with crowds so speaking in front of everybody is a lot,” she said.
DJ Mozzi, also known as broadcaster Dre Ngatokorua, works for Umeewarra Aboriginal Media and this year has been named as an ABC Trailblazer.
ABC: Triple J
)Ngatokorua has been a mentor for Ms McKenzie and many other aspiring young journalists in Port Augusta.
“I look up a lot to Dre because he helped me a lot with my confidence,” Ms McKenzie said.
“He’s taught me how to edit and film.”
Learning from fighting her own personal doubts, Ms McKenzie have some wisdom to pass down to those with dreams like hers.
