The Indigenous Remote Communications Association has been asked to expand from its current role as a peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media and communications in remote Australia to become a national peak body from July 2016.
Minister Scullion has advised that the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet will only fund one peak body from that time. He invited IRCA to take on the expanded role and determine the best way to effectively represent and support the interests of Indigenous broadcasters and media organisations across remote, regional and urban Australia.
The IRCA Board has accepted this invitation to broaden its representation, however has noted that peak bodies are created from the grass roots and that a proper consultation process is needed to determine the best model. The IRCA Board calls on the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to fund a thorough planning process to ensure ownership and input from all stakeholders in this process.
IRCA Chairperson John ‘Tadam’ Lockyer said:
This decision is an endorsement of IRCA’s achievements in delivering relevant services and building cohesion and capacity in the remote sector. We will build on our strengths to provide a powerful and connected voice for the whole Indigenous media and communications industry.
IRCA recognises the diversity within the industry. We will consult and work cooperatively with all stakeholders to determine appropriate membership and governance structures and support services.
Beyond representing members needs, IRCA will continue to advocate for digital inclusion and access to Indigenous media services using new technologies in all of our communities.
At the upcoming 17th National Remote Indigenous Media Festival in Lajamanu, NT, the IRCA Board will release its new Strategic Plan 2015-18, which includes the new direction towards becoming a national peak body. A Discussion Paper will later be distributed in November, inviting input from all stakeholders on the scope and structure of this new peak body.
For further information about IRCA, visit www.irca.net.au. For organisations or individuals wanting to receive the Discussion Paper and receive email updates, please contact us at [email protected](link sends e-mail).
September 22, 2015
Contact: Daniel Featherstone, General Manager
08 8952 6465 / 0437 798 076
Endorsed by: Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association, Ngaanyatjarra Media, Pilbara and Kimberley Aboriginal Media, Pintubi Anmatjerre Warlpiri Media, Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Media, Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media, Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association, Torres Strait Islander Media Association.