ABC TV’s Indigenous Department
Sally Riley (pictured) is now the Head of ABC TV’s Indigenous Department, a newly-created role for the ABC. Sally will be responsible for developing and commissioning a number of prime-time drama and documentaries as well as the ongoing production of the long-running weekly Indigenous magazine program Message Stick.
Previously Sally was the Head of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Unit where she played a vital role in developing Indigenous Australian film-making.
Sally Riley said “I'm extremely excited to be joining ABC TV and expanding on my work with our brilliant Indigenous filmmakers. A concerted push into TV has been on my mind for a while now, and the commitment from ABC TV is both forward thinking and inspired. I look forward to working with Kim Dalton and the other content heads to create new and engaging Indigenous programming for Australian audiences.”
Sally was previously responsible for overseeing and developing significant short films, documentaries and feature films whilst promoting and developing a new generation of Indigenous filmmakers. Sally’s film, Confessions of a Headhunter won the AFI Award for Best Short Film, in 2000. Sally also contributed in the development, production and financing of the award-winning film, Samson & Delilah. Another achievement of Sally’s was the Screen Australia’s new industry handbook, Pathways & Protocols - a filmmaker’s guide to working with Indigenous people, culture and concepts.
Sally was rewarded with an Australian Public Service Medal in 2008 for her services to the development of initiatives that have increased the participation of Indigenous Australians in the film and television industry.
