Proud Dyirbal man and filmmaker, Jahvis Loveday, is the inaugural recipient of the ‘The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship’ presented by Façon Australia, in conjunction with Greater Bank.
Loveday was one of nine talented finalists that were on hand for the scholarship announcement that took place at Murrook Cultural Centre in Port Stephens during NAIDOC Week.
The 22-year-old who was born and raised on Bundjalung country in north-east NSW has received the $10,000 Scholarship funded by Greater Bank to support his creative dreams and passion for preserving and celebrating First Nations culture and story through film, making it engaging and accessible.
In addition, the scholarship also provides Loveday with the opportunity to be mentored by Broadcaster and TV Producer, Matt Field.
“Since high school I’ve been obsessed with capturing memories and telling stories about myself, my family, and what culture and community means to us.
“Family is the building block of who I am today and the stories I want to tell,” Loveday said.
The scholarship is not the first recognition Loveday has received for his work in the industry. He directed, wrote, produced and played the lead role in the 2022 short film ‘Bangay Lore’, which received the Flickerfest Special Mention of the Jury for Australian Short Film at Flickerfest International Short Film Festival in Bondi 2023.
The scholarship was open to all Indigenous people aged 16 and above, located in New South Wales, who are pursuing a career in the creative arts.
More than 70 nominations were received across nine categories, including, fashion design, accessory design, art painting, music, dance, writing, digital art, film, and photography.
Greater Bank’s Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate, said the customer-owned bank has a long history of supporting the community and identified this program as something special.
“We’ve embraced this scholarship opportunity knowing it has potential to positively change the lives of all involved, which is incredibly exciting.
“Greater Bank believes in providing greater support and partnership to our First Nations communities and we are committed to reconciliation and working closely to build strong relationships across the communities in which we operate.
Greater Bank’s Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate
“Congratulations to all the entrants, finalists, and of course our scholarship winner, Jahvis Loveday. I look forward to following the careers and future endeavours of these remarkable artists,” Ms Brokate said.
Click here to watch the trailer for Jahvis' 2023 short film Djalbuyan Nahra.