New Kids on the Block 2026

Navigating industry events and conferences can seem daunting when you’re starting out in your screen career – and that’s where New Kids on the Block comes in. Delivered by Screenworks and supported by Screen NSW, South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and Screen Canberra, the program is designed for regional, early-career screen practitioners attending the Regional to Global Screen Forum for the first time.

It’s a support program that provides structure and guidance to help participants overcome the barriers and anxieties associated with traveling to and attending an industry event.

Each selected participant receives funding that contributes to their attendance costs (including travel, accommodation and tickets) alongside dedicated, on-the-ground support and special access during the event to empower them to get the most from Regional to Global.

This year, New Kids on the Block will support 5 people from NSW, 2 from SA and 2 from the ACT.

More than 60 regional people have participated in New Kids on the Block since the program began in 2022, with alumni including Shontell Ketchell (2023; writer on Ghosts, Gold Diggers, Barrumbi Kids), Ella Watkins (2022; content creator with over three million followers) and Caden Pearson (2025; director, producer and writer of Lakefield, Taste of Tropics S2 Ep 1).

Regional to Global 2026 will take place on September 9 and 10, returning to Lennox Head in Northern NSW.

Applications for New Kids on the Block 2026 close AEST 9am July 7, 2026.

All applicants are expected to be notified of outcomes by August 10, 2026.

What Do I Get?

• Each selected NSW and ACT participant receives $1,000, while each selected participant from SA receives $2,000, reflective of the travel distances and associated barriers. If selected, your funds contribute to covering the costs of travel, accommodation and event registration, reducing the financial burden and stress of conference attendance.
• Exclusive access to a roundtable of your choice on Regional to Global’s sidebar, Connections.
• You’ll meet and build relationships with fellow New Kids that can last well beyond Regional to Global.
• All the benefits of Regional to Global, from connecting with industry voices and leaders to hearing great conversations, deep-dives and case studies – just with the New Kids special treatment!

Am I Eligible to Apply?

• I haven’t attended Regional to Global before.
• I live regionally (as per regional definitions on Screenworks’ website) in one of the participating states or territories, and have done so for at least the last six months.
• I’m an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• If selected for New Kids on the Block, I can and will make myself fully available to attend Regional to Global 2026.
• I meet all other requirements set in the terms and conditions.

How to Apply

Check to make sure you meet the terms and conditions below before applying. Ineligible applications will not be accepted.

Make sure to answer all required questions and provide both a current CV and proof-of-residencies.

Screenworks encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access work opportunities.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about Regional Crew Pathways or applying, please email [email protected].

Terms and Conditions

By applying for New Kids on the Block 2026 (also referred to as New Kids on the Block, NKOTB and the program), and completing the application form, I agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions:

1. I have not attended Regional to Global in any capacity (i.e. as a general attendee; previous NKOTB participant) before 2026.
2. I am either an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
3. I live full-time in a regional area, as defined on Screenworks’ website, and have done so for at least the last six months.
4. I live full-time in my current state/territory, and have done so for at least the last six months.
5. The state/territory I live in is a participating state/territory in the program (NSW, SA and ACT).
6. I will provide current and true proof-of-residency in my application form that confirms I am (1) an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, (2) living regionally full-time, and (3) living full-time in the state/territory I list in my application.
7. I am 18 years or over as of applying and understand the date of my application will be recorded when I complete it.
8. I meet and accept all eligibility requirements and terms and conditions.
9. If selected for New Kids on the Block, I agree to and will make myself fully available to attend in-person Regional to Global 2026. 
10. If selected for New Kids on the Block, I realise and accept that while the funding provided as part of New Kids on the Block contributes to covering travel and accommodation costs associated with attending Regional to Global 2026 in-person, this amount is limited to $1,000 for NSW and ACT participants and $2,000 for SA participants, and any costs exceeding this amount will be at my own expense.
11. If selected for New Kids on the Block, I understand and agree to be interviewed, photographed or recorded (image and sound) during any part of the program. Any such recording, photograph or interview may be used across any media format for promotional and/or reporting purposes. I further agree to tag Screenworks and the program partners in any social media content directly related to New Kids on the Block that I create with their prior approval.
12. If selected for New Kids on the Block, I agree to submit any and all reporting and/or testimonials requested by Screenworks, including at the end of my participation in the program.
13. I understand and agree that Screenworks may share my application with assessors and program partners (for example, Screen NSW, SAFC, Screen Canberra).
14. I understand and accept that applying to New Kids on the Block does not guarantee my selection for any part of the program.
15. I warrant and confirm that the information I provide in my application for New Kids on the Block is true and correct, and further understand and accept that it will be used to determine my suitability for selection in New Kids on the Block.
16. I acknowledge and accept that Screenworks has the right to withdraw any offer to participate in New Kids on the Block, including if it is discovered that any statement made by me in this application is incorrect, incomplete or misleading, in a way that may have affect the application and/or assessment processes. 

Please note: The assessors, including Screenworks staff and program partners, will assess all eligible applications against a set of guidelines and assessment criteria. The assessors are under no obligation to read all content provided.

The assessors will not redress errors in applications. If an application is deemed ineligible, it will not be assessed. The assessors will make the ultimate decision regarding the successful applicants. This decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.