With a passion for the screen, Dubbo's 2021 Cultural Person of the Year hopes to develop a film and television industry in the city that keeps people here, rather than forcing them to move to grow their careers.
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Kellie Jennar said she was "honoured" to be named Dubbo Regional Council Cultural Person of the Year for her work building the creative opportunities for people in the region.
Originally from the Central Coast, Ms Jennar said she was visiting her sister in Dubbo when she "fell in love with the town" and its community groups.
"That's actually what kept me here,' she said.
"I originally got involved with the Outback Writers and from there I discovered the Dubbo Filmmakers and the Dubbo Film Society.
"I just got so involved in the community, that I just love it and now call it home."
For more than six years Ms Jennar has worked tirelessly, to the cultural and creative benefit of Dubbo through her volunteer efforts with the Dubbo Filmmakers and Dubbo Film Society.
Through her efforts Dubbo Filmmakers become a not-for-profit organisation in August 2019.
She was instrumental in securing funding for Dubbo Filmmakers to give local people the opportunity to develop their skills and as an outlet for creative expression enhancing the city's liveability.
Ms Jennar has also facilitated many free workshops for members to share skills and experience with up-and-coming filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds.
I'm very passionate about the film industry and the young creators, because I believe film is the opportunity to give people a voice, to express what they want to say, what they're feeling.
- Kellie Jennar
She served as the producer for Dubbo Filmmakers' web series To the Ends of the Earth, volunteering her time to provide an opportunity for Dubbo creatives to work and learn on a screen project. Here she steered the team through COVID-19 to ensure completion of the project for all stakeholders involved.
In 2019 Ms Jennar co-coordinated the Women in Television and Film workshop in Dubbo, providing a chance for women to enter or re-enter the industry.
The qualified screenwriter believes it's important to build the screen and television industry in a regional community like Dubbo, to give people out west more opportunities for their voices to be heard.
"I think it's important to create the industry in Dubbo, so that people in Dubbo who are wanting to have a film or screen career don't feel like they have to go to a big city like Sydney or Melbourne," Ms Jennar told the Daily Liberal.
"That there's actually stuff happening here, so they can get the skills and training here, there's job opportunities here to keep the industry growing in Dubbo."
Ms Jennar is the president of the Dubbo Filmmakers and continues to advocate for and support local creators. Her influence has increased the attendance at screenings and attracted a younger audience.
"I'm very passionate about the film industry and the young creators, because I believe film is the opportunity to give people a voice, to express what they want to say, what they're feeling," she said.
"Film and screen is a medium where you can share that with a large audience, and I think its especially important for young people to feel that they have a voice."
She has also contributed to the ongoing success of the Dubbo Film Society and is currently serving as treasurer.
"It is this tireless dedication to the Dubbo cultural scene, and determination to help others break into the film and television industry that makes Kellie a worthy winner," the citation read.
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Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
