Getting a story out into the world doesn’t always begin with a press release. Sometimes, it starts with a simple question: why aren’t our stories being heard?
Since May, The Indian Sun has been delivering a media training and capacity-building program with support from the Victorian Government. The aim is to help Indian community organisations across Melbourne and regional areas improve how they communicate with the public.
The latest session, led by communications professional Saleha Singh, brought together team members from Indian Care and the Bakhtar Community Organisation. Participants included community development officers, support workers and volunteers, many of whom shared that while they felt confident in the work they were doing, they often struggled to express that work clearly and publicly.
The session focused on storytelling fundamentals, audience awareness and messaging. Singh, who leads publications at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and has worked across South Asia on development communications, kept the session practical and interactive. Participants reflected on their own communication styles, what holds them back, and how they could improve.
One common concern was fear of visibility. Some attendees said they were comfortable writing but avoided video content. Others were unsure how to shape their message so it connected with wider audiences. Many said they wanted to promote their work through newsletters, websites or social media but lacked a starting point.
Singh offered a few basic rules: write like you speak, avoid jargon, and make the first paragraph count. “People read like an F,” she said, describing how most readers scan a headline, the opening line, and only then decide whether to continue. The goal, she explained, is not to impress but to inform.
There were also discussions about trust and accuracy in the media. Singh advised that community groups can and should request to review quotes before publication when approached by journalists, and that being proactive with press releases is one way to ensure the right message gets out.
The session covered how to write about events, structure feature stories and build media-friendly content. Singh also introduced the idea of tailoring communication to different platforms, flagging a follow-up session in July that will focus entirely on social media strategy.
As part of the workshop, Indian Care participants agreed to prepare a media release about their current community sports initiative. Bakhtar representatives, already active in their outreach efforts, discussed future opportunities to expand their media engagement.
This training series is designed to meet organisations where they are. Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, the workshops offer space for reflection, skill-building and shared learning. It is storytelling by and for the community, with tools to help amplify what’s already being done.
With sessions continuing through winter, more groups across Victoria are getting the guidance they need to speak with confidence, connect with their audiences, and tell their stories clearly.
The Indian Sun acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
