The voice of Umbakumba

Situated on Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Umbakumba is small and remote, and for many, Radio Umbakumba is their only link to the outside world.

When Umbakumba wants to know what’s happening in the world, they tune into Joel Mamarika.

Joel started the programme, Youth Radio Umbakumba, early this year and quickly became one of the station’s lead talents, developing a fan base on Groote Eylandt and, thanks to the internet, beyond, with young listeners throughout the Northern Territory to Sydney and surrounds.

Every afternoon from 4.00 til 6.00, Joel mixes music with current issues affecting local youth, news, weather reports and shout-outs to residents of the local aged care centre and health clinic staff, in a mix of English and the local Anindilyakwa language.

“It’s important to speak in Anindilyakwa so everyone can understand,” Joel said. “And I’ve had elders tell me that it’s good to hear their language on the radio.”

Thanks to an Australian Government scholarship, Joel attended the recent National Remote Indigenous Media Festival in Ntaria (Hermannsburg), Northern Territory, where he not only picked up valuable media skills and knowledge but also an award for “Best Emerging Radio Talent TEABBA” at the Festival’s Remote Media Awards Ceremony.

At the Festival, Joel took over CAAMA radio’s mobile studio to broadcast his show across the Territory and give listeners an insight into the issues facing Wanindiliyakwa youth.

The show was particularly well received back home.

“My mum rang to tell me everyone in Umbakumba was listening and they were all really excited I was making our community famous,” Joel said.

Percy Bishop, Joel’s mentor at Radio Umbakumba, sees other benefits of Joel’s radio ability.

“Since Joel started here, we’ve received a lot of positive feedback about him, not just from community members but from NGOs and local businesses, and big companies have asked about advertising on Youth Radio Umbakumba, which is a major achievement for a small community station,” Percy said.

However, Percy realises that Joel’s ability to connect with other young people in the community is by far his most important asset.

“Joel is the key element for bringing about change in disaffected youth in Groote Eylandt, and I have a lot of confidence he will continue to play a vital role in the community,” Percy said.