Koori Radio returns to Redfern

Since occupying the site, the struggle of Koori Radio and its predecessor Radio Redfern to gain recognition and broadcast the voice of the Indigenous community in metropolitan Sydney has paralleled the struggle faced by many Aboriginal people in cities nation-wide.

Radio Redfern first began broadcasting in the late 1980s from Sydney University and 2SER, both conveniently only 10 minutes from Redfern. “But there was a problem because community people wouldn’t come along,” said co-founder Tiga Bayles.

The Cope Street site was cheaply refurbished and soon became the station’s home, which led to a large increase in community participation. “Radio Redfern allowed us to stay in our community and do our programming.” The station acted as a gathering place for thousands of Aboriginal people to share experiences, as well as protest against social inequalities and racism.

After suffering financial difficulties the station was forced to leave and the buildings were demolished. Now, more than 10 years later, a $7 million redevelopment has been commissioned by the Indigenous Land Council and is fully underway, scheduled to be complete by May this year. The self-sustainable project is aimed at providing social and commercial benefits to the Indigenous community, and Koori Radio will be returning home to ensure these aims are met.

Former Cope Street resident and Mayor of South Sydney Tony Pooley recalls Radio Redfern being an enormous asset to the community by strongly supporting local people and businesses. The site is minutes away from the Block, and just next door to the Black Theatre and other organisations where Indigenous people are involved in a range of artistic pursuits such as screen printing, music and theatre production.

“This will reinforce the sense of community, the spirituality of the land as well as the idea of a meeting place for Indigenous people and the wider community alike. It’s a good thing to have and a good use of the site.”

Photo: Ali Blogg - The Cope Street site in Redfern