Converge 2026 - First Nations Media National Conference, Cairns
Hello everyone, it's Malarndirri McCarthy coming to you from the lands of the Ngunnawal people. As a proud Yanyuwa Garrwa woman, I acknowledge the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. To everyone gathered there today, thank you for the work you do and the commitment you bring to First Nations media every single day.
You are the platforms for our people, telling our stories, in our voices, for our communities. Throughout my media career and now as Minister for Indigenous Australians, I know the difference First Nations media makes. I've seen how it keeps communities informed, strengthens culture and creates a space for voices that might otherwise go unheard.
What makes First Nations media so unique is that it is grounded in community. It's trusted because it's local. It's powerful because it's connected to culture, language and Country.
And the work you're doing in First Nations media matters more than ever. As media continues to evolve, you continue to adapt and find new ways to connect with communities. Across the country, we're seeing important work in digital storytelling, language revitalisation, journalism, training and community broadcasting.
We've also seen the vital role First Nations media plays during times of crisis. During the recent floods and severe weather events across Northern Australia, First Nations broadcasters helped keep communities informed and connected. But right across Australia, wherever you are, people were able to hear directly from those on the ground in places like Katherine and Daly River.
Sharing local knowledge and real time information about what was happening in their communities. But the role of First Nations media extends well beyond emergencies. Every day you help keep communities connected.
Strengthen local voices. Support language and culture. And ensure First Nations people have a platform to tell our stories, our way.
Just like you did at Wujal Wujal. The Albanese Labor Government recognises the importance of that work. In 2026-27 more than $26 million will be delivered through the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program.
To support organisations across Australia to continue serving their communities and building capability for the future. It supports jobs, training, language preservation and stronger local voices. Especially like those in Fitzroy and Broome.
As someone who came through this sector myself, I know resources can be tight. Demands keep growing and communities rely on you to deliver trusted information every single day, especially in places like Kununurra. But I also know the dedication, resilience and creativity that exists across First Nations media.
Whether you're in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne or Sydney you continue to show up for your communities. You continue to support the next generation. And you continue to show that First Nations voices matter.
In Brisbane, in Tasmania, in every part of this country, including the Torres Strait. Thank you for everything you do. I look forward to continuing to work alongside you and supporting a strong, sustainable First Nations media sector.
Yo, Bauji Barra. Subscribe and stay up to date Connect with us PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.