APY Irititja Part 2

Added by Chris Ashby Productions

Description PLEASE VIEW WITH DISCRETION.Many people have passed away
In the 1980’s and 90’s, using VHS cameras Anangu (people from the APY Lands) recorded their ceremonies on video so that they could educate the children of the future. In those days communities only had the ABC. In 1987 The Federal Government (in response to the launch of the Australian satellite Aussat) introduced the Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS). Aboriginal and Torres Islander people were concerned about the impact of the satellite and requested resources that would allow them to broadcast culturally appropriate videos.

The concept was to give Aboriginal and Islander people, access to and control of their own media at a community level. Due to limited funding, basic domestic analog audio and video equipment was used. Each installation comprised a cabinet to house a cassette recorder, radio tuner, microphone, speakers, switch panel, two VHS VCRs, television set, video camera, two UHF television transmitters, FM transmitter, satellite dish and two decoders. When the program finished towards the end of 1991, Telstra had installed 80 BRACS units across Australia all operating using an analog signal. The cost of delivery was high as all 80 units paid annual fees and upgrades (funded).