After weeks of anticipation and speculation, Facon Magazine has announced Dharug singer-songwriter Ruby Shay as the winner and recipient of their 2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship.
Proudly supported by Greater Bank, both Facon Magazine and Greater Bank were thrilled to award the 2024 scholarship to Shay, who they called a deserving, highly-talented First Nations musician.
"Ruby's heart and soul shines through her music and this stays with you long after listening. We're so proud to be supporting her with this scholarship and know she has a big future ahead," said Greater Bank chief distribution officer, Emma Brokate.
A talented musician based on the Central Coast of NSW, Shay captivated the Scholarship Committee with her profound storytelling and emotive music.
She has emerged as a powerful voice, using her personal experiences to create songs that deeply resonate with both the community and listeners.
In her application, Shay expressed her longtime passion for music.
"Music has always been a form of therapy for me, in two ways. One was a way to escape into a world of make-believe where I could be someone else, in a different environment," she said.
"The other is that I could listen to songs that resonated with me and feel a whole lot less alone. I truly believe that if we are given the gift of storytelling, that it is our duty and purpose, that we owe it to the universe to share it."
With dreams to release an album, Shay has plans to use the scholarship for the production, promotion, and management of her upcoming release.
In addition to the $10,000 monetary prize provided by Greater Bank, the young musician will also receive mentorship from Mitch Tambo, a Gamilaraay man and one of Australia's most acclaimed musicians who is highly respected within the Indigenous music scene.
In support of the scholarship, Tambo said he is looking forward to being able to assist and further nurture Shay's musical talent.
"It's so important to be able to create spaces that identify talent, and nurture that talent.I want to help the winner shape what they need to achieve, as well as shape our story," he said.
Façon Australia's Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Lara Lupish, said both herself and the broader Facon Magazine team commended all participating finalists, including Ms Shay.
"We are immensely proud of all nine finalists for the 2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each of them has demonstrated incredible talent, and a unique ability to tell their stories through creative mediums," she said.
"Ruby Shay's music is not only a form of personal expression but also a powerful storytelling tool that connects us to her experiences and heritage.
"Supporting these artists is at the heart of what we do, and we are excited to see how they will continue to inspire and impact others with their creativity and storytelling".
For more information about the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, its mentorship program, and to view the works of the 2024 finalists, visit the Facon Australia website.
A bespoke issue of Façon Magazine, featuring cover star Mitch Tambo, was also produced for this Scholarship, which can be accessed for free online.
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