Some 70 aspiring writers and 45 mentors are working together as part of the New Australia Media program, which aims to give young Australians from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds a voice in the mainstream media.

The director of New Australia Media, Agnes Cusack, started the mentoring program in late 2008. By uniting professional writers and young migrants, it’s hoped the mainstream media will become more multicultural, and the multicultural media more mainstream.

“Instead of preaching to journalists, telling them they have to embrace multicultural Australia, we put them in the middle of it. That’s where the stories will come from,” said Ms Cusack, a former long-time ABC journalist and broadcaster.

From the very start, the fledgling program has been inundated with migrants keen to take part.

“Our aim is to build confidence, to build skills within these young people. A lot of them have only been in Australia for a few months, and they’re extraordinary. They’re sophisticated people who want an education,” Ms Cusack said.

Among the aspiring writers is Ayan Shirwa. Somalian-born Ms Shirwa has always loved writing, and with the help of the mentor program, she has had her first article published by The Age.

“Sometimes the mainstream media is not the best platform for diverse voices to be heard. I think New Australia Media is a fantastic way for stories you might not have heard, to be heard,” Ms Shirwa said.

The 23-year-old student is studying social sciences at university. As a Muslim, she is particularly keen to write about how her religion is understood in Australia.

“I’m interested in issues that deal with Muslim women, and just getting across the message that we’re just like everyone else. Perhaps we might have a veil, but the veil shouldn’t be like a barrier,” Ms Shirwa said.

Also taking part in the program is mentor and student team Christopher Deere and Eskias Mengistie.

“For me, taking part has basically helped me to settle down in Melbourne. Since I’m a new arrival here, it has helped me a lot,” Mr Mengistie said.

Mr Deere hopes that the program has helped Eskias to gain confidence in his talent as a story-teller.

“I’d cheerfully take up another association with someone, just for the sake of finding out what they have to say as they learn about their own background and life in this new setting,” Mr Deere said.

The early success of the program is exciting for Ms Cusack. She hopes many more people will take up the chance to hone their writing skills.

“I live on the smiles, and what happens every day. It’s very important to help young people as they come into this country,” Ms Cusack said.

Writers and would-be writers who would like to get involved in the program can find out more information online at www.newaustraliamedia.org