Amplify: Story, Resistance, Radio
On October 7th, the Tin Shed’s Gallery showcased an eye-opening observational documentary that offered viewers an intimate glimpse into the world of Sydney’s very first community Aboriginal radio station, 88.9 Radio Redfern. This unique film played out against the backdrop of contemporary Aboriginal music, providing a valuable and authentic exploration of the people, their attitudes, and the philosophies that paved the way for a distinctly alternative response to the bicentennial year, which marked 200 years of colonialism in Australia. Throughout the transformative year of 1988, 88.9 Radio Redfern served as a vital hub for communication and solidarity within the Koori community, illustrating how Aboriginal people ingeniously harnessed mass media to cater to their specific needs. It’s a captivating journey that showcases the remarkable adaptability of social structures in the face of significant cultural change.
FILM SCREENING: Radio Redfern Documentary
Radio Skid Row took over the panel discussion space for the afternoon. They invited Luke Pearson from Indigenous X and Barbara McGrady, a highly acclaimed, award-winning photographer, to join them for an insightful viewing of the documentary “Radio Redfern 88.9.” Following the screening, the panel delved into a thought-provoking conversation about the significance of creating radical media in our contemporary world. The discussion was enriched with the presence of founding members of Radio Skid Row-Radio Redfern, including Nicola Joseph, Graham Davis King, and others. Guiding us through that engaging day was the host, Binowee Bayles.
PANEL: Race & Diversity in the Media
Radio Redfern 1988 bicentenary protest coverage
January 26th 1988, Australia was celebrating 200 years of white occupation of Australia. Radio Skid Row in Sydney decided to mark the occasion by handing over its entire airtime to the Radio Redfern team. During the bicentenary protest several experienced Indigenous journalists were working and each was assigned a “white helper” from Skid Row who would carry spare cassettes and batteries for them and deliver the recorded interviews to a motor bike rider on designated corners. The National Film & Sound Archive inducted the bicentenary protest coverage by Radio Redfern into the NFSA’s prestigious Sounds of Australia registry. We are 40 in 2023, if you have information to share about Radio Skid Row’s history get in contact with us. Email Ellie on comms@skidrow.com.au.
NFSA Bicentenary Protest Coverage Radio Redfern 1988
RADIO SKID ROW ART AUCTION 2022
Radio Skid Row held a fundraising art auction on the 15th of December 2022. Big thanks to all the amazing artists who have donated their artwork and time. The auction was held at Cement Fondu Art Space.
RADIO SKID ROW’S 39TH BIRTHDAY GIG
We celebrated our 39th Birthday at the Gumbramorra Hall, Addison Road in Marrickville on September 3rd 2022. Our 39th Birthday Gig included an in-house line-up of performers including Terry Darmody, At Arms Length, Madame Wu feat. Riverkid, DJ Altafari, Wise Man Ali & more…
We cooked up sausages provided by Haberfield Butchery and enjoyed a night of celebrations with the community. Thanks to you and our supporters! Stay radical.