FACT SHEET

MURDI PAAKI REGIONAL ENTERPRISE CORPORATION LTD
FACT SHEET
Wilcannia River Radio 103.1FM
April 2011
Pictured Above (l to r): Maureen Brown (Radio Maur), Brendan Adams (BB Adams), Robert Clayton (Big Rob) and Clayton Spencer outside the Station.
Three years ago whilst attending a community meeting in
Wilcannia, Janelle Whitehead (MPREC CEO) heard that
locals wanted the local Radio Station re-established, after
it had been shut down several years before.
service where local information can be disseminated.
The trainees attend local events and interview senators,
ministers, celebrities and sporting identities, along with local
government, committees and community members.
Janelle went about securing funding to build a new Radio
Station with limited start up funds, using local labour and
attracting locals to commence broadcast traineeships.
As the Station grows older it is engaging more and
more people as voluntary presenters, which is building
confidence and providing better communication skills.
The Station became operational soon after this with no
name, just the frequency 103.1FM. After consultation with
the community and the broadcasters, the Wilcannia River
Radio came about. Wilcannia is located on the Darling
River with the slogan “Keepin it Alive” as its catch cry. From
this, a logo was produced which is now the symbol of the
Station. The logo which means “Community of all ages”
and the River, is represented by the different coloured
dots.
The Station runs with old outdated equipment, which has
been donated, for which they are extremely grateful.
The Station employs four trainees, and with support from
MPREC, a Supervisor. It currently broadcasts 5 days a week
from 7am to 7pm and receives an outside feed for the
times they are not broadcasting.
The Station provides a voice for the community and is a
The Radio Station employs 4 community members in a
town where employment opportunities are very limited.
These broadcasters now have a career which could take
them anywhere in the world, if they desire to do so.
The Station provides a great service in more ways than
one; by bringing the community together, creating
employment opportunities, building confidence, social
inclusion and letting their voices be heard.
Clayton Spencer
ph: 0458 000 389
Unit B, 18-30 Mountbatten Drive, Dubbo NSW 2830
P| 02 6841 0111
MURDI PAAKI REGIONAL ENTERPRISE CORPORATION LTD
PROFILE AND OVERVIEW
MPREC - Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation
ABOUT THE COMPANY
THE FLAG
Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation (MPREC) is a
peak provider of services to communities in Western NSW
and is dedicated to assisting Indigenous Australians. The
Corporation is assisting to improve the social fabric and
living standards of western NSW residents.
MPREC was established in August 2003 and is a not-forprofit organisation. The main objectives of MPREC are:
• To develop and implement effective employment
and accredited training strategies
• To develop enterprise projects and assist in business
development.
• To provide Community Development Employment
Program (CDEP) services.
• To assist in the provision of basic social services to
Indigenous Australians.
• To nuture and mentor Indigenous Youth through
training, leadership development & career pathways.
• Promote
healthy
lifestyles
through
strategic
engagement of youth and community members.
THE REGION
Murdi Paaki (pronounced ‘muddy parky’) means
“Blackmans River” and refers to the western NSW region.
16 Communities including:
Gulargambone, Coonamble,
Collarenebri, Walgett,
Lightning Ridge, Goodooga,
Brewarrina, Bourke,
Weilmoringle, Enngonia,
Cobar, Ivanhoe, Wilcannia,
Menindee, Broken Hill and
Dareton / Wentworth.
The Region constitutes more than 40% of the total NSW
land mass and covers the traditional lands of 15 Aboriginal
Nations or language groups. There are also 18 Local
Aboriginal Land Councils in the MP Region.
The Murdi
Paaki Flag
The Murdi Paaki flag was chosen by the Murdi Paaki
Regional Council to depict the regions Aboriginal people
with the traditional colours of red, black and yellow, the
river and fish, the white colour means good spirit.
The flag was designed by Tony Burton. who was once
President of the Australian Flag Association. When flying
in the breeze, the flags checkered design in the shape of
arrowheads, is to give the impression of fish swimming in
river.
THE STATISTICS
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THE ECONOMY
The regional economy generally revolves around grazing
of sheep and cattle, farming of cotton, wheat, grape
and citrus; and mining of silver, lead, zinc and opal. The
proportion of Aboriginal males employed in the private
sector is the lowest rate in NSW.
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The Aboriginal population of the MP Region is 14%.
Median age is 21 (compared to 40% for non-aboriginal
population).
Around 74% of Aboriginal couples have dependent or
non-dependent children (compared to 50% of nonaboriginal couples).
34% of families are single parent families compared to
15% of non-aboriginal single parent families.
The health of Aboriginal people in MP region is
significantly worse than other areas of the State.
14.3% of Aboriginal babies in the region are born with
low birth weight (compared to 12% in the State). This
can be attributed to poor health, environment and
lack of antenatal care.
Cardiovascular disease is around 80% higher in the MP
Region for Aboriginal people than the State average.
There is a high dependence on social housing, low
levels of home ownership, overcrowding and high
rates of environmental health-related illnesses.
MP had the highest rate of assault victimisation in 2002
and is more than double the rate anywhere else in
NSW.
1% of the adult Aboriginal population
are in Prison.
Unit B, 18-30 Mountbatten Drive, Dubbo NSW 2830
P| 02 6841 0111