Bidjara Media & Broadcasting History

Our Legal Business name is Bidjara Media & Broadcasting Company Ltd (a not for profit organisation).

We provide a community radio broadcast service to Charleville and Cunnamulla within a 40km radius of each township. Our transmitters in Charleville and Cunnamulla, are located in the Water Tower Sites and made possible with thanks to the Murweh Shire Council Charleville and, the Paroo Shire Council Cunnamulla.

Company History

In 1997 a survey was carried out in the Murweh Shire by Neale (Dusty) Fraser, and the resulting report entitled “Bidjara Outback Radio Report” identified the need for an Indigenous broadcasting service in the region. The concept was taken on board by the Bidjara Housing Company in 1998 as a pilot project to seek funding.

Bidjara Media & Broadcasting Company Limited was formally incorporated as a separate organisation in July 1999.

In March 2000 Bidjara Media & Broadcasting Company was granted a Temporary Community Broadcast Licence (4RR FM 105.7), and commenced broadcasting full time from the studios located on the ground floor of 51 Wills Street, Charleville, in premises which were leased from Bidjara Housing Company Limited. The studios were equipped and refurbished with the support of a capital grant from ATSIC.

On 7th March 2005 Bidjara Media & Broadcasting Company was successful in its bid to be granted a Full Time Community Broadcast Licence by the Australian Broadcasting Authority.