3KND for community and tunes for 20 years

Happy 20th birthday to 3KND! 

3KND (3 Kool ‘n Deadly) Radio plays Deadly tunes and Kool programs, and like many First Nations stations, is a trusted source of news - a community hub that creates and advocates for a connected, strong and confident First Nations community.

Staff at 3KND work to build their reputation and relationships across its community. 

‘It took more than  two years of each of our team going to community events, sitting down in different Country throughout Narrm, throughout the Kulin nation, and supporting cultural activities,’  explained Gerry Lyons – better known as GMan, General Manager of 3KND.

‘We are in people’s homes every day, we are at community events, and we are a part of the family.’

GMan has 25 years of experience working in Indigenous media and believes it is the platform of communication in and beyond the modern era.

‘There’s no longer the message stick carried from community to community, we are the message stick, we are the community hub, we are those that listen, those that give information and help, those that provide those stories in song - that are medicine for the soul.’

COVID-19 saw staff expand the range of services on offer to the community – often spending hours talking on the phone to callers, keeping them company. They would also go to Elders homes and sit outside for a yarn through the window.

The station organised for wood, seedlings and shovels so people could start their own gardens. Toys were supplied to kids, personal care products were distributed, and 3KND developed partnerships with businesses so the community had what they needed.

‘Through that period we realised that there is such a demand on our services as a broadcaster, we needed to also look at what was being asked of us, and what was being told,’ GMan said.

Currently 3KND is the only Aboriginal community radio station in Victoria that represents First Nations communities. There is a desire to see more stations and more First Nations people in media. 

In response, 3KND - in partnership with Community Media Training Organisation and the First Nations Media Association – is offering an opportunity for First Nations broadcasters  or those interested in becoming one to develop the skills to start a career in creative industries, using 3KND as the hub.

‘I want to see 3KND grow, be part of offering opportunities and pathways for local mob, a training education avenue for First Nations people interested in a media career,’ said GMan.

‘So we are a very important part, we do that and we do a whole lot more, so community radio itself is something that will endure for a long, long time and may take on a different form, but will always be there.’

3KND is a true representation of community radio.