Project Overview
QMF partnered with Black Star Radio, a network of 17 stations in Indigenous communities across Queensland to promote Dream Aloud. Many of the Black Star stations across Far North Queensland are run by 1-2 producers or announcers, with additional support from Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM) who offer marketing, technical and administrative assistance, as well as ongoing programming so announcers can take well-earned breaks from the mic.
Understanding the importance of community radio in Indigenous communities, QMF supported Black Star’s ongoing success and sustainability in return for the promotional support offered by the network. Announcers Jaydon ‘The Laughing Kookaburra’ Marrot, Elijah Douglas and Amy McKeown from Aurukun, Doomadgee and Bamaga respectively, travelled to Cairns/Gimuy for the Futures Summit. It was here that they participated in sessions, as well as attending a tailored interview skills workshop covering interview preparation, getting the best out of difficult interviewees, interviewing ‘on the fly’ and editing. The announcers were then provided an exclusive opportunity to interview Dream Aloud artists both before and during the event, which were then shared across the Black Star network.
This professional development opportunity provided participants with practical skills rarely available in their remote settings, allowing First Nations stories and voices to continue to be amplified to foster community, connection and empowerment. Despite the common misconception, video has not killed the radio star.