This paper is a cry for help from one of the world’s most innovative and effective Indigenous broadcasting services, which is now in danger due to a lack of appropriate government financial support. It explains the operations of the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA);  describes its impressive track record of achievement over 30 years of operation;  analyses the current arrangements for its funding from Government; demonstrates how these arrangements are badly designed and inadequate; and proposes an alternative approach.

To read the full paper, please click caama-and-the-future-of-indigenous-broadcasting

Latest pictures of the progress on 14 Leichhardt Tce refurbishment.

PausePlayPrev|Next

CAAMA Radio 8kinFM station is supported by the Australian Government through the Indigenous Broadcasting Program of the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

A.1 Program Name:
Indigenous Broadcasting Program

A.2 Program Objectives:
Support the operation of Indigenous owned and controlled community radio broadcasting services, including Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Services (RIBS) and Remote Indigenous Media Organisations (RIM0s) who provide training and technical support for RIBS;
Develop and broadcast programming that focuses on the promotion of local Indigenous culture and language(s);
Enhance Indigenous broadcasting services by supporting national representation that serves and develops the sector’s capacity;
Provide broadcasting services that are able to inform and educate Indigenous Australians on accessing the range of health, legal, education and housing services available to them;
Develop an Indigenous broadcasting sector that meets all governance and business management requirements; and
Provide opportunities for broadcasting workers to develop professional skills and experience.
You must comply with the following policies and guidelines in carrying out the Activity (copies are available from any of our offices)
Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP) Program Information and Guidelines 2010-11

Activity Name: CAAMA Radio 8kinFM Broadcasting Services

Activity Details:
To support radio station operations. Funding is conditional, dependent on an organisational review being undertaken.
Primary outcome/s:
Provide an Indigenous radio service (CAAMA Radio 8 KIN-FM) to Central Australian communities and the CAAMA footprint area.
Core services:
Provide Indigenous people in regional, rural, and remote Australia access to 24 hour Indigenous radio broadcasting service, equal to the wider Australian public.
Develop and produce Aboriginal Language and culturally appropriate radio programs.
Produce and broadcast daily programs for educating Indigenous Australians about gaining and accessing a range of health, economic participation, safe communities, governance & leadership, legal, family violence, education and housing services.
Broadcasting Aboriginal 8, Torres Strait Islander voices, stories, songs and information into Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities in the CAAMA Radio footprint area. Increase Indigenous content and media exposure for Indigenous broadcasters and & technicians.
Enhance the profile of remote Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander broadcasters through broadcasting their programs on Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander radio stations. Increase revenue leading to reduce dependency on government funding.
Broadcast Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander languages to the regional footprint area to maintain and preserve Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander languages.
Broadcast Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander music to the regional footprint area to maintain and preserve Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander language through music.
Employ Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.
Maintain national exposure of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander issue on Radio 8 KIN-FM.
Provide news and current affairs programming with an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspective.

Activity Name: CAAMA RIMO

Support for RIMO service delivery to 10 licensed RIBS in the Alice Springs region: Santa Teresa, Hermannsburg, Papunya, Imanpa, Apatula (Finke) Batchelor, Alpurrurulam, Areyonga, Titjikala and Elliott.

Support for Remote Indigenous Media Organisation (RIMO) service delivery to 10 remote Indigenous broadcasting units in the Alice Springs region.
Primary outcorne/s:
To provide technical support and training to 10 remote indigenous broadcasting units in the Alice Springs region.
Core services:
To provide technical and training support to the operations of a RIMO in support of 10 RIBS located at Santa Teresa, HermansIDurg, Papunya, lrnanpa, Aputula, (Finke) Batchelor, Alpurrurulam, Areyonga
Titjikala and Elliott.
* Revive, rebuild and maintain indigenous cultural identity through radio broadcasting
* Provide Indigenous people in remote Australia access to local Indigenous radio broadcasting services
* Develop Indigenous language and culture radio
Promote Indigenous language through radio
* Positively reinforce Indigenous achievements
- Advocate on behalf of RIBS communities at a local and national level to Government and associations.
- Maintain open communications with Shire Councils and remote communities, e.g. MOU. – Maintain and increase participation of RIBS communities to Broadcasts on 8KIN FM
Increase the profile of remote community broadcasters through the CAAMA network – Increase employment and training of Indigenous people in remote communities.
- Contract Consultant to prepare applications for Temporary Community Broadcasting Licenses for up to 11 unlincensed sites within its service region.
Visit all sites for evaluation of maintenance required to make them fully functional, bring them up to license requirements and generally tidy them up. Log all assets on database and consult/advise Shire councils on problems and arrangements of CAAMA support. Will have MOU’s signed by Shire’s to establish roles & responsibilities of each organization, this will formally recognize the organizations commitment to this arrangement
Purchase spares required to cover most foreseeable problems and repairs required.
CAAMA RIMO Technical Manager will meet with the community shire’s to assess repairs and maintenance for each of the RIBS communities and a schedule to deliver the R&M. CAAMA RIMO Training Coordinator will visit the 10 communities twice a year for Radio Training.
CAAMA RIMO Technician will visit the 10 communities twice a year for technical maintenance. Continue with follow up visits to sites doing maintenance and repairs noted on previous visit. Phone support of problems and technical queries.
Continue relationships with local shires on progress of maintenance
Each community will broadcast locally daily and once a week, on CAAMA Radio once a fortnight.

What services or actions will your organisation or group carry out in the activity? RIMO Technical service will provide:
Ongoing technical support for the development of RIBS services Assess RIBS equipment
Update the RIBS Asset Register
Upgrade communication services
Assist with renewal of their Community licenses
RIBS Equipment Assessments with the aim of standardising all equipment and maintenance procedures as a cost effective saving’ for DEWHA and the Aboriginal community. Two maintenance trips per year to each community including:
Opening and cleaning all gear
Checking performance of equipment and fixing problems
Routine replacement of minor consumable parts, fans, air filters etc
Checking satellite dish, tower, antennas etc Servicing of air conditioner filters
Conduct field strength checks for Radio in each community, initiate response to improve reception
Implement an across the board labeling system Provision of a written report at the end of each visit to community Shire office.
Enter visit details in technician’s logbook at site, to record any work done by whom and when, so an effective record exists. This promotes accountability of technical work on sites. Provide consultation on Technical planning and upgrades to site Provide over the phone technical support
Provide backup satellite receivers, Radio transmitters. Co-ordinate OPTUS Satellite upgrades

PausePlayPrev|Next

Progress pictures from the Refurbishment of 14 Liechhardt Tce – a building owned by CAAMA.

Contract for refurbishment is with Ingkerreke & Asbuild.
Architects working for CAAMA is Zone A.

Click here to view Caama’s Strategic Plan 2010-2015 completed in August 2010 with support from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Also see the following:

• Caama’s marketing Plan 2010 -2015;
• Caama’s Finance Plan 2010-2015.

Support CAAMA with a tax deductible* donation

The Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (Aboriginal Corporation), ICN 67, is a public benelovent institution. In accordance with the Australia Taxation Office, CAAMA is a Deductible Gift Recipient.  CAAMA’s ABN: 32 603 325 704.

Continue reading →

Bequests

If you appreciate the work of CAAMA, please consider leaving a bequest to CAAMA in your will. Your legacy will help to ensure that CAAMA can continue its work maintaining and sustaining language and culture in Central Australia.
Some Frequently Asked Questions

Why does CAAMA need my bequest?

CAAMA receives government financial support for the operation of the station. However, a major part of the costs of maintaining the organisation comes from the people who appreciate the service we provide all day every day. Without this support the station would eventually cease to exist.

If I decide to leave a bequest to CAAMA, what form should it take?

All bequests are appreciated equally. There are several options for bequests:
1. Specific Gift: This specifies an amount of money or property or some other asset.
2. Percentage or Fractional Bequest: This specifies that a percentage or fraction of the total value of your estate be willed to CAAMA.
3. Residual Bequest: This wills to CAAMA the remainder of your estate after all expenses have been met and all other beneficiaries have received their inheritances.
4. Whole Estate: This wills the value of your entire estate to CAAMA.

What wording should I use in my will?

You should consult your solicitor or professional advisor. However, we recommend the following wording:
“I bequeath to the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA), ABN 32 603 325 704 of 101 Todd Street, Alice Springs, NT 0870, for its general purposes (the whole) or (a specific amount or gift) or (a percentage) or (the residue) of my estate free of all duties for which a receipt from the Chief Executive Office or other authorised person shall be a full discharge to my executor.”

May I nominate how my bequest is to be used?

Yes, you may, but it is preferred that you delegate this responsibility to the Board of Directors, who are all dedicated volunteers and are aware of the station’s needs and priorities which can change with the passage of time.

How do I change my will to nominate CAAMA as a beneficiary?

An amendment, known as a codicil, can be made easily by your solicitor for a small fee.

Will my bequest be recognised if I so choose?

Unless you choose to remain anonymous, your bequest will be recognized on the CAAMA Honour Board located in the foyer of the station.

If I have other questions, whom do I contact?

Please contact Sergei Jansons, Financial Controller of CAAMA, during office hours on 08 8951 9778 for advice on a confidential basis.

Thank you for your interest in supporting CAAMA with a bequest. We are pleased that you share our belief in the important role that our station plays in the community.