Why We Stay – Mandangala Community is the debut documentary film by Miriwoong broadcaster Dabvina Toby Wright.

Filmed on Miriwoong Country in the East Kimberley, this documentary explores the deep connections between Country, family, culture and community. Through the voices of Mandangala Community members, the film shares powerful stories of belonging, resilience and identity, offering an authentic perspective on why people choose to live on Country in a remote Aboriginal community.

Dabvina shares:

“My name is Dabvina, and I am a young Miriwoong broadcaster from Kununurra in the East Kimberley.

As a Traditional Owner from Mandangala Community and someone who is connected to family culture and storytelling it has become an important way for me to share the voices, experience and stories of our communities.

Through my work in media, I have developed a passion for documenting stories in their own voices while creating a deeper understanding of the places and people that make the Kimberley special.

This documentary reflects my connection to story telling and my desire to preserve and share stories that deserve to be heard.

What inspired me to create this story is the Love of Country and my Family.

Being on Country and coming together with family gives me a strong sense of belonging.

It has inspired me to show my love and care for our community and Country by sharing our voices, our experiences and our stories.

Through this documentary, I hope to help preserve these stories and give others a deeper understanding of what Country, Family and community mean to us.”