March 21, 2019
Iris-Jean Blow is the latest voice to be heard on Cherbourg Radio … and she has heaps of local knowledge to share with listeners.
Iris has been working at the station for a month now, hosting a “yarning session” every morning where she interviews local residents.
She wasn’t born in Cherbourg but she’s lived in the town for the past 20 years and has strong family ties with the town.
“All my babies were born here and grew up here,” she said.
Iris is also a traditional owner as she’s a proud Wakka Wakka woman.
She’s brought a lot of confidence to her new job, something which she believes is linked to her getting a good education, thanks to her mum.
“I grew up in Brisbane and went to St Rita’s College in Clayfield,” she said.
Before joining Cherbourg Radio, she worked at Cherbourg State School for four years as a teacher aide and also worked on projects with Murgon State High School.
She’s very keen on working with young people, and is in the process of establishing a Youth Council in Cherbourg.
“It’s a slow process but with sure progress,” Iris said.
“Our goal is to get one of our young people elected as a councillor.”
At the moment, Iris is working with two groups of young people.
Six in the older group – aged 18-25 – and six or seven young girls, aged 12-18.
While the younger group are taking part in community activities, the older group are learning about governance and assertiveness.
“We have to help change and better the future for our young people,” Iris said.
She’s hoping her work at the radio station will help promote the Youth Council and get more young people involved in the Cherbourg community.
“The community is really supportive of the radio station,” she said.
