about atom qld
The Australian Teachers of Media Queensland (ATOM QLD) is a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to advancing media education across Queensland and Australia. We support educators by fostering collaboration, advocating for curriculum, and providing professional learning opportunities that keep pace with the ever-evolving media landscape.
As Queensland’s leading media education network, ATOM QLD connects teachers across all systems and sectors, ensuring they have access to the latest resources, insights, and industry connections. We actively engage with state and national authorities to influence curriculum and policy, ensuring media education remains future-focused.
Through exclusive professional development workshops, networking events, and industry partnerships, we empower educators to inspire the next generation of media-savvy students.
Join us and be part of a thriving community committed to shaping the future of media education in Queensland.
Why Media Education?
THE CRITICAL NEED FOR MEDIA EDUCATION FOR PREP TO YEAR 12
In today’s digital world, media education is no longer optional—it’s essential. Queensland students, are bombarded with media daily, shaping their perceptions, values, and understanding of society. Without critical media literacy, they risk becoming passive consumers rather than informed, ethical participants in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Media education equips students with the skills to analyse the bias in the content they consume and the power of storytelling. It fosters digital citizenship, creativity, and innovation—qualities essential for success in industries ranging from marketing to politics and, crucially, education. With Australia’s media industry booming, students who develop these skills will be well-prepared for emerging career opportunities.
For teachers, staying ahead of these changes is vital. By joining our professional association, you gain access to our vast network where we share the latest strategies, resources, and industry nextworking opportunities to help your students thrive. Investing in media education means investing in a future where young Australians can think critically, engage responsibly, and create meaningfully.
Ensure you’re preparing your students for what’s next—become a member today.
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS
Media education unlocks diverse career opportunities in film, television, journalism, digital media, advertising, and public relations. As Australia’s media landscape rapidly evolves, students need adaptable skills to thrive in both traditional and emerging platforms.
Queensland is home to major industry players, including Network Ten, Seven Network, and the ABC, as well as Village Roadshow Studios, a hub for international and local film production. Brisbane-based Ludo Studio also offers exciting career pathways.
By becoming an ATOM QLD member, educators gain exclusive access to industry networking opportunities, professional learning, and connections that help students transition from the classroom to real-world media careers.
Stay ahead, stay connected, and prepare your students for the future of media.
Meet the Team
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Aimee Gust
PRESIDENT
Aimee Gust is Co-President of Australian Teachers of Media, Queensland, in which capacity she helps organise learning and professional development experiences such as the Asia Pacific Young Audience Awards and the North Queensland Regional Conference. Aimee is currently Head of Department of the Arts at Brisbane State High School, where Media Arts and Film, TV and New Media (FTVNM) are taught from years 7-12. Aimee is a co-author of the recently published textbook, Nelson’s FTVNM QCE Units 1-4, and sessionally lectures FTVNM curriculum students at several universities.
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Kelsey HALL
PRESIDENT
Kelsey Hall is Co-President of Australian Teachers of Media, Queensland, as well as a senior Film, Television and New Media (FTVNM) high school teacher in Queensland. She has recently completed her Master in Creative Industries: Film at SAE focussing on disruptive television and is involved in various minor film projects through her tertiary connections. Kelsey is a QCAA confirmer and external examination marker. She has a passion for teaching teachers and loves connecting with other media arts teachers. Kelsey is a co-author of the recently published textbook, Nelson’s FTVNM QCE Units 1-4.
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robert masters
VICE-PRESIDENT
Rob Masters has been teaching FTV&NM/Media Arts for over 15 years, most of those at Downlands College in Toowoomba. He has a passion for emerging technologies and engaging students through innovation, problem solving and experimentation. Robert developed his passion for film through acting, studying Theatre Performance at the University of Wollongong. At Downlands he teaches Media Arts to grades 9 and 10, and Film, Television and New Media to grades 11 and 12. Robert also runs the Media Club who produce short videos about life at Downlands and promotional material - from Liturgies and Community Gatherings to Ads for events and coverage of major sporting events.
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Kristina Chapman
SECRETARY
Kristina Chapman has worked in film education for the past ten years, both in secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as a curriculum resource developer for organisations outside education. Holding a Masters in Creative Industries with an exegesis on TikTok storytelling, she's passionate about new media and how film continues to adapt with the world. She currently has a textbook chapter in print exploring documentary production for TikTok and short-form platforms, with a focus on audience engagement.
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Marcia Prior
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Marcia Prior is an Experienced Senior Teacher and ATOM QLD Regional Executive representative for Mackay and Coalfields. She has been a teacher of Media and Film/TV since 2005 and has implemented Media Arts NCEA Level 2+3 in NZ, as well as leading the implementation of QCE/ATAR Film, Television and New Media and ACV9 at Mackay Northern Beaches SHS where she is Curriculum Lead. Marcia is also a QCAA Assessor. She is a passionate film educator with a strong focus on sound design and editing. In her spare time, Marcia is a busy mum of two and writer.
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Daryl Sparkes
TREASURER
Daryl is the Treasurer for ATOM QLD. He is currently the Film Discipine Co-ordinator for the University of Southern Queensland where he has been a Senior Lecturer for the past 25 years. Before that he worked for Channel 7 in their documentary department. He has made over 35 documentaries for Channels 7, 9, ABC, SBS and Foxtel. His short films have screened at Cannes, Clermont-Ferrand and Berlin. His latest short film produced in 2023 was screened at 91 film festivals world wide and won 31 awards. Daryl teaches specifically in the areas of Film and television producing, documentary production and AI and media.
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Angela Hasthorpe
WEBMASTER
Angela is an experienced Senior Teacher who has taught Film, Television and New Media (FTVNM) for the past ten years. She is passionate about the subject because it equips students with transferable creative, technical and critical thinking skills that are valuable in any field of work. Angela has been actively involved with ATOM QLD for the past six years, including presenting at conferences and contributing to professional conversations within the Film, Television and New Media community. She is committed to continually developing her practice and expanding her experience in the FTVNM space, with a focus on supporting both students and educators in engaging with contemporary media.
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André Scholz
Far North Queensland Representative
André is a Cairns-based Media Arts teacher, filmmaker, and ATOM QLD Far North Queensland representative. With experience across screen production, live broadcast, and education, he is passionate about helping students build creative confidence, practical media skills, and pathways into the wider screen industry.
André has taught and developed Media Arts programs across secondary schooling, with a strong focus on storytelling, production, collaboration, and real-world industry connections. He is committed to supporting both teachers and students in regional communities, helping strengthen links between classrooms, creative practice, and future opportunities in the arts and screen sectors.
Alongside his teaching, André continues to work on local film and media projects, bringing current industry knowledge back into the classroom and contributing to a vibrant screen culture across Far North Queensland.