Kurilpa Kiosk, West End, where Triple A broadcast from in the early days
Triple A Murri Country, Australia’s first-ever Indigenous radio station in a major city, is celebrating its 30th year on Brisbane’s airwaves.
On Tuesday April 6, 1993, Triple A began broadcasting a blend of Indigenous music and country music, a forward-thinking approach from inspirational founder, the late Ross Watson, that attracted large audiences of Indigenous and non-Indigenous listeners alike.
Birri Gubba and Gungalu man, Charlie Watson was by his brother’s side from the start, along with their cousin, prominent land rights activist and broadcaster, the late Tiga Bayles who took over the reigns from Ross after he retired.
Uncle Charlie said in those times it was unheard of to have blackfullas speaking on their own issues.
Warumungu woman Trisha Collins first started as the station’s Receptionist in 1995 and 28 years later is now the Business Services Manager, she says knowing the history of why the station was first set up is the reason she’s stayed so long.
Before becoming a West End institution, Triple A had its beginnings on 4ZZZ’s the Murri Hour in the early 1980’s, with the Brisbane Community Radio station also helping Triple A pitch for a radio licence in the 90s.
Station Manger at 4ZZZ Stephen Stockwell says that community stations like Triple A play an important role in starting national conversations.
