Maya Johnson is shaping her own narrative

Maya Johnson. Photo by Sarah Chavdaroska

From Magnetic Island to Melbourne: Maya Johnson is on a mission to share First Nations stories

Maya Johnson is a proud Wulgurukaba woman from Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) in far north Queensland. Growing up on a tropical island was about as idyllic as you’d imagine, Maya recounts. “It was very low key. I remember going to school wearing sandals with my toes poking out,” she says laughing. “But it was a really beautiful place to grow up; surrounded by my family, cousins and my grandfather. I had a special childhood.”

The magnetic backdrop of Yunbenun’s tropical beaches and close-knit neighbours gave Maya a deep sense of identity and cultural connection, but it also fuelled her ambition. “I realised early on I needed to leave the island if I wanted to pursue bigger opportunities,” she says.

A leap into the wider world

After finishing high school, Maya moved to the Gold Coast to study a Bachelor of Journalism at Bond University. There, she didn’t just focus on academics; she embraced leadership roles, serving as President of the Student Society of Indigenous Awareness and Social Director for the Journalism Society. These roles taught Maya to use her voice and creativity to build connections – a skill that would become central to her later career as a budding producer.

National broadcaster calling

It wasn’t long before Maya found herself entering the state-of-the-art broadcast facilities at ABC’s Southbank offices in Melbourne with her new title, Social Media Coordinator for ABC Indigenous. The role marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her producing career. 

“I helped run the social media accounts and YouTube channel [for ABC Indigenous], interviewing all kinds of First Nations individuals and learning about their stories.”

A standout highlight included attending First & Forever – a music festival at Hanging Rock promoting Blak excellence and contemporary First Nations culture and music. Off the back of First & Forever, Maya got the opportunity to interview rising Indigenous singer-songwriter sensation, Budjerah. Partnering with Triple J and Mushroom Creative, Maya produced the broadcast interview package for ABC Indigenous.

"We went to the Gold Coast and met his family. We just hung out and interviewed him at home and that's when I realised, I want to do this forever.”

Championing Indigenous creativity 

Maya then took on a role at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, working remotely from Melbourne as the Foundation’s Social Media Coordinator. “In August every year, 70 plus Indigenous owned Art Centres all around the country travel to Darwin to sell artworks,” Maya explains. It’s a Foundation with a clear purpose that Maya is passionate about and proud to work for. She simultaneously looks after the social account for Indigenous Fashion Projects. “I guess the reason I love social media is that it’s just a platform for sharing these stories.” 

Stepping into the screen industry

Maya’s dream of producing for film and television took a major step forward when she secured one of two extremely competitive screen internship positions at VicScreen. The internship, which includes four-month placements at ABC and Blackfella Films as well at VicScreen, prioritises talent from diverse backgrounds to help fast-track the careers of the decision makers of the future. 

A chance encounter with VicScreen’s Production Executive (First People's Lead) Davey Thompson at a documentary conference several years ago meant Maya was plugged in and closely following opportunities as they arose at VicScreen. Now Maya is working alongside Davey in VicScreen’s Content and Talent team. 

“[At VicScreen] I've really enjoyed reading the scripts and reading how producers submit applications so far,” Maya explains. “I’ve loved learning about working with market partners, how they operate and how a film or TV project gets off the ground. I just want to gain as much experience from all three agencies as possible.” 

Initially, Maya didn’t think her experience to date would land her this internship. “It still hasn’t really hit me…I guess the experience I've already gained is pretty valuable. So yeah, I'm pretty proud.”

Having long admired the documentary filmmaking of Arrente and Kalkadoon woman Rachel Perkins, Maya dreams of following in similar footsteps. “Taking those first-person experiences and sharing those historical moments, both positive and negative is really inspiring. I love what she does.” 

Other First Nations filmmakers like Beck Cole, who directed the VicScreen-supported anthology film We Are Still Here, are equally encouraging, Maya says. The idea of blending genres to tell unique and inspiring stories about Aboriginal people, especially in far north Queensland is what will be driving Maya over the course of her internship.

“With the three agencies, I want to learn as much as possible and say yes to every opportunity…I want to share First Nation stories, and I know these placements will help me in my pursuit to do that.”

For more information on how to upskill and enter Victoria’s screen industry, check out VicScreen’s Skills Development programs here.