About
My name is Tom Hearn. I am an Australian documentary filmmaker, community development practitioner and First Nations ally, and the founder of BushTV, established in 2003.
For more than 20 years I have worked alongside communities across regional and remote Australia at the intersection of storytelling, cultural governance and community development.
I hold a Master of Arts in Documentary and am a Reconciliation Award recipient for community storytelling. My documentaries have screened at national film festivals and TEDx events. My practice bridges story, ethics and systems change.
At the centre of my work is a simple belief: strong stories, grounded in cultural wisdom and local knowledge, can strengthen our national identity, local leadership and long-term social change.
Community Development and On Country Work
Community development sits at the heart of everything I do.
Over two decades, I have managed and delivered more than 40 story-based projects in partnership with Aboriginal corporations, ranger groups, schools, health services and community leaders. These projects bring together culture, wellbeing, employment and leadership development in practical, measurable ways.
One of BushTV’s most recognised initiatives is Camping on Country, a national program reconnecting Aboriginal men with culture, healing and employment pathways. As Program Manager, I led logistics, partnerships and cross-state delivery, working closely with Traditional Owners and Elders to create culturally grounded on Country experiences that build confidence, belonging and purpose.
My approach combines governance, practical delivery and respectful collaboration. Programs are not imposed. They are co-designed and community-led.
BushTV Today
BushTV has evolved into a creative and cultural social enterprise operating across three core streams.
Full Marketing and Communications Agency Services
Through Engage Us, I provide full-service marketing and communications support, strategic storytelling, program co-design, facilitation and communications leadership for organisations working in health, culture, Country, education and community development.
Services include:
• Full marketing and communications strategy
• Campaign storytelling and documentary production
• Program co-design and evaluation
• Community consultation processes
• Website content, rebrands and digital positioning
This stream positions BushTV as a long-term narrative and communications partner rather than a short-term content provider.
BushTV Documentary Mentorship
A structured documentary mentorship for emerging and established storytellers who want to deepen their craft and strengthen ethical practice.
This 10-session mentorship is grounded in:
• Story architecture across film, writing and digital formats
• Cultural understanding and informed consent
• Working responsibly in Indigenous contexts
• Developing short and long form documentary projects
It is designed for creatives who want to build skill and integrity simultaneously.
Patreon for Emerging Filmmakers
A membership community offering ongoing access to Tom as a mentor, insight, behind-the-scenes learning, ethical storytelling frameworks and practical tools.
It is designed for emerging filmmakers, storytellers, artists, writers, photographers and social impact practitioners who want sustained mentorship and guidance at an accessible level.
My Approach
I work relationally. I believe in long-term partnerships, not transactional projects.
With Celtic roots and more than two decades walking alongside First Nations communities, my practice is grounded in listening, reciprocity and respect. I see storytelling not as extraction, but as responsibility.
Whether designing a community program, producing a documentary, mentoring an emerging filmmaker or leading a communications partnership, my focus remains consistent:
Strengthen agency.
Honour culture.
Build trust.
Create work that lasts.
