The trailblazer behind the first Indigenous radio station in Australia has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the First Nations Media Awards in Alice Springs on Friday night.
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Around 150 people from some of the most remote communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Territory as well as their city counterparts in Melbourne and Sydney travelled to celebrate media excellence.
Freda Glynn, the founder of the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association and then Imparja television was recognised for her contribution to disseminating essential news to communities in central Australia in language.
"Just looking around, and watching in the last few days, the group working together, I know with all the praises that you give me, I've left it in good hands," Ms Glynn said at the award ceremony.
"I was so excited walking around yesterday and seeing everybody so busy, everybody there, so excited about what you're going to do next. It's all going to be just keeping that momentum up and loving what you do, because I must tell you I loved every minute of CAAMA.
"And watching it grow and watching the influence its had around the country, I can watch all the channels and hear all the radio and films and I just think, wait 'til they see us in another ten years, you wait Australia, we've got stories to tell."
Presenting the award, First Nations Media Australia chair, Dot West thanked Ms Glynn for her leadership, acknowledging that it was CAAMA which inspired and guided many communities around Australia to establish their own media organisations.
In addition to recognising important contributions to the establishment of the First Nations media industry, the awards shone a light on rising podcast content and digital production.
Wayne Bynder received the Outstanding Contributor Award in recognition of over 40 years of igniting passion for broadcasting across the Kimberley and generously sharing his knowledge across the industry.
"The evening got off to a light-hearted start with guests joining The Everlastings for a sing-a-long and a special guest appearance from 6DBY Chairman, Cyril Archer who gave a fabulous rendition of Stand By Me," a spokeswoman said.
"MCs, Lola Forester (Koori Radio) and Bernard Namok Jnr (TEABBA) kept the evening on track throughout the presentation of 19 award categories.
"Stuart Nuggett performed in Jingili, an endangered language from the Elliott region in the Northern Territory and the Black Rock Band got everyone rocking the dirt dance floor to wrap up the night."
John Macumba was awarded the First Nations Media Legend Award, the Outstanding Contributor Award went to Wayne Bynder and Daniel Featherstone was recognised with a Recognition of Contribution.
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