In front of more than 100 guests, friends and staff, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh opened the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association’s Multimedia Centre on Friday.
One of the many highlights of the event was Kev Carmody and Pixie Jenkins performing, “From Little Things Big Things Grow”.
Brisbane Indigenous Media Association (BIMA) CEO Tiga Bayles said the song was appropriate.
“We began broadcasting in 1984 with the Murri Hour on Triple Z and now we have opened our very own Centre with 30 full time staff and over 200,000 listeners,” he said.
“It was an auspicious occasion for all our staff and the Board and a great celebration for First Nations peoples.
“The Centre represents all that is important to First Nations peoples – the radio station gives a voice to Aboriginal perspectives on a range of matters from topical issues of the day through programs such as ‘Lets Talk’, to sharing our culture through music which includes country and Indigenous as history and story telling.
“We also provide an essential service in broadcasting key information for First Nations people in areas such as health and the law.
“And, of course, we broadcast the AFL!
“It is fitting that we also have grown from humble beginnings to owning a facility in our own right that will enable us to continue to give a voice, training and employment opportunities to First Nations Peoples.”
Newly elected BIMA President Col Dillon said Aboriginal people throughout the state could now enjoy the benefits of a state-of-the-art facility, purpose built to train young people in radio and television broadcasting.
“This investment not only supports our capacity to broadcast using state of the art equipment but more importantly provides real live training and skilling, through Triple A Training, to both Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in a critical industry in today’s society,” Mr Dillon said.
“The funding enabled us to transform the old Armaguard building which for a period of time provided space for members of ProppaNOW, a groundbreaking group of Urban Aboriginal artists including Tony Albert, Richard Bell, Vernon Ah Kee and Laurie Nilsen, whose work is represented in the building – these artists have now reached international status.
“We would not be standing here today if it were not for the funding support we received from the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) and the Queensland and Australian Governments.
“The ILC provided $3.5 million, while the Australian Government provided funding of $3.2M and the Queensland Government contributing $4.2 million.”
