May 14, 2021
Cherbourg Radio is one of the foundation members of a new Queensland First Nations Media Coalition (QFNMC).
The coalition was officially launched on Thursday night at Parliament House in Brisbane.
It aims to provide a statewide integrated approach to Indigenous media.
Cherbourg Radio station co-ordinator Michael Monk attended the launch on behalf of the station and was elected to the inaugural Board of Directors.
QFNMC director Jyi Lawton said the formation of the body was a milestone for Queensland’s First Nations people.
“We are honoured to launch the QFNMC to voice and provide a State perspective in relation to Indigenous media in Queensland.
“We identified the need for an integrated approach to provide consistent communication and messaging to our community through the media. We have collectively more than 250 years of operational experience in the media sector and we are stronger together.
“Communication and how information is not only disseminated to communities throughout Queensland but that the information is understood, plays a vital role in addressing Closing the Gap targets and outcomes as well as providing a vehicle for ongoing engagement with community.”
Mr Lawton said the QFNMC would strategically partner with Federal and State Governments and relevant peak bodies on the next phase of Closing the Gap.
QFNMC consists of 10 key Indigenous media organisations across Queensland:
- Cherbourg Radio, Cherbourg
- Torres Strait Island Media Association, Thursday Island
- Bumma Bippera Media, Cairns
- Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, 4K1G, Townsville
- Mackay and District Aboriginal and Islander Media Association, My105, Mackay
- Radio 4US, Rockhampton
- Brisbane Indigenous Media Association, Brisbane
- Mount Isa Aboriginal Media Association, MobFM, Mount Isa
- Bidjara Media and Broadcasting Company, 4RRFM, Charleville
- National Indigenous Radio Service
[UPDATED with correction]
