IRCA NEWS | Working Together in 2018

WORKING TOGETHER IN 2018

2018 is already shaping up to be another big year for IRCA and the First Nations media industry. We are now in the final stage of the transition from our former role as remote media peak body to becoming your national peak body. We are pleased to see our membership growing steadily and strong sector engagement in IRCA activities.

IRCA is currently focused on expanding our range of member services to meet the needs of our national membership. New services will be announced over the coming months. We have expanded our newsletter and increased our promotion of the industry’s outcomes – please keep sharing your stories and achievements with us.

Look out for our Industry Advisory groups, monthly webinar series, our CONVERGE conferences in March and November, Broadband for the Bush Forum (7-8 June) and Indigenous Focus Day (6 June) and a major re-development of the IndigiTUBE online showcase and content sharing platform.

2018 will be an important year for the growth and development of First Nations media in Australia, with IRCA playing a key role in spearheading this development. Together we will continue to build a powerful and connected First Nations media industry.

3 WEEKS LEFT TO REGISTER!

REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY

DANDIIRI BEERWAH DAHGU >> INTA NAREE YANMANA NGANI
MEETING TOGETHER >> MOVING IN ONE DIRECTION
In just four short weeks we'll be gathering for CONVERGE BRISBANE 13-15 MARCH 2018. We will be coming together to work as a unified, powerful and connected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice that speaks up strongly for our media.
Delegates will be welcomed to Yuggera Nation by traditional owners and the Nunukul Yuggera Yugimbir Nugi Aboriginal Dance Troupe. Gathered on the shores of Maiwar (Brisbane River) at the State Library of Queensland, CONVERGE will explore how we promote our industry, share and showcase our content, develop employment and skills and much more.

NEW PEAK BODY NAME COMPETITION

We still want your ideas and are giving away an iPad (or Android tablet if you prefer) to the winner. Thanks to all who participated in our recent online survey to decide our new peak body name, however there was not a clear winner. We are now calling for a strong, catchy name for your new peak body, along with any byline or logo ideas. Entries will be presented at CONVERGE Brisbane to be voted on by our membership. For more information, please email asstmgr@irca.net.au.

FAREWELL TO LIAM CAMPBELL

Digital Projects Officer Liam Campbell has moved on after nearly 5 years at IRCA and is now working at the NT Library. Liam has played a big role in building IRCA's online presence and capacity, assisted member organisations with websites and radio streaming apps, developed the IndigiTUBE radio app, delivered training workshops, developed the inDigiMOB digital learning platform, and assisted on many IRCA events and projects. We greatly appreciate Liam's huge contribution to IRCA and the sector over the years and wish him all the best in his new role.

For website and app support, and advice on IT systems and online projects, members can contact IRCA's IT Technical Coordinator Ben Pridmore ben@irca.net.au. For IndigiTUBE content contributions or information, contact Jaja Dare comms@irca.net.au.

INDIGIMOB POWERS UP IN 2018

Already this year, inDigiMOB has started to connect with communities in the Top End. IRCA has now established delivery partnerships with Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation in Maningrida and with ARDS across the communities of Milingimbi, Galiwinku, Ramingining and Gapuwiyak. Digital literacy activities are also continuing in Central Australia with our partners, Tangentyere Council and PAW Media, and Targeted digital-specialist workshops will commence soon.

Click here to read about one of our great digital literacy activities; the Alice Springs Town Camps Family History Project. Remember, for more info about inDigiMOB events, activities and digital literacy resources check out the inDigiMOB website, log onto our Facebook page and give us a Like @indigimob, or download the inDigiMOB App from your device's App store.

STATEMENT FROM SKINNYFISH MUSIC REGARDING GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU

The final funeral ceremony for Gurrumul Yunupingu occurred on 24 November at Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island. The passing of any Yolngu person is usually accompanied by strict traditional protocols which preclude the use of the deceased’s name. The immediate family of Gurrumul have been clear throughout the grieving process that the contribution he made and continues to make to Australian and Yolngu cultural life should not be forgotten.

The family have given permission that following the final funeral ceremony, his name and image may once again be used publicly to ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire both his people and Australians more broadly. The family thank the media and the Australian public for their support and respect throughout this period.

R.I.P. GILLA MCGUINNESS

"Gilla was definitely one of a kind, and the station will not be the same without his fighting spirit." 3CR Community Radio. Gilla made an enormous contribution to broadcasting. He was the longest serving aboriginal broadcaster on 3CR and presented precious memories community and country music program on Wednesdays, but before that he was a long-term presenter on the Koori Survival Show. He was a founding producer and programmer on the Beyond the Bars prison project and conceived, developed and produced the Yarra Elders precious memories project.
We send our condolences to family, friends and colleagues.