Media Release 21

1 November 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NT Chief Minister Launches Innovative Indigenous Language Radio Service

Today in Darwin, Northern Territory’s Chief Minister, Clare Martin officially launched Yolŋu Radio, a new Indigenous radio service broadcasting in Arnhem Land.

Following a traditional ceremony performed by a Yolŋu clan from north-east Arnhem Land, and words from Yolŋu Radio listeners, the Chief Minister launched the ground-breaking service saying; “Yolŋu Radio is the first Indigenous radio service in the country to provide coverage to a whole culture and language group.

”“I’d like to congratulate Aboriginal Resource and Development Services for a job well done.”

Aboriginal Resource and Development Services Inc. (ARDS), a non-profit Aboriginal organisation operates and manages Yolŋu Radio.

Yolŋu Radio focuses on providing its listeners with access to information on issues including petrol sniffing, drug abuse, family violence, diabetes, other health, legal and economic issues.

Yolŋu Radio uses the language of the people (Yolŋu Matha) providing real education they can readily understand, answering questions they have about the contemporary world around them.

The early success of Yolŋu Radio has proved to ARDS that when Yolŋu people are empowered with knowledge, they take control of their own lives and address the real problems they face.

One Yolŋu Radio listener confirmed; “We have been able to see a lot of changes in health and community behaviour as a result of Yolŋu Radio.”

Richard Trudgen CEO of ARDS stated; “Today represents a significant milestone for ARDS in the establishment and ongoing development of Yolŋu Radio.”

“Yolŋu Radio started out as the dream of a few Yolngu people like Tony Binalany, many years ago. They believed radio provided a way to help teach their people about the many illnesses and problems affecting their lives.

”“Yolŋu Radio is now a reality and ARDS would like to thank the many people and organisations who supported the realisation of this vision.”

“We are delighted to be celebrating this day with the Chief Minster and so many of our great friends and supporters.”

Many Yolŋu people were at the launch today to help celebrate the achievement. One commented; “Yolŋu Radio has been great for our people. At last we have our own radio that we can listen to and understand, not like listening to English.”

Yolŋu Radio broadcasts 24hrs/day, 7 days/week across north-east Arnhem Land and in Darwin. For further information contact Alice Nurthen on 08 8987 3910