NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 21/05/2025

NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 21/05/2025

On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:

Major Ancel Lupke, Officer Commanding for the Army Ailan Community Assistance Program (AACAP), talking about the Army supporting island communities in the Torres Straits. Australian Army personnel are in the Torres Strait Islands until September to deliver community-driven infrastructure projects, as part of a continuing commitment to First Nations people. Members of 17th Sustainment Brigade will deliver project management, construction, health, vocational training, and mentoring opportunities to remote communities. Army will also provide accredited and non-accredited training in welding, metal works, first aid and general maintenance, as well as health support, including dental, primary health care and veterinary care. These projects will be conducted under the Army Ailan (previously known as Aboriginal) Community Assistance Program (AACAP). AACAP’s aim is to improve infrastructure and health in remote Indigenous communities. It also provides an opportunity for engineers from the 6th Engineer Support Regiment (6ESR) and other Army elements, to enhance foundation trade skills required for expeditionary basing and construction tasks. A community hall and carriage way culvert will be built on Erub Island, a sports facility on Poruma Island, and Kup Murri, facility refurbishments and road paving on Warraber Island. AACAP is a joint initiative between the National Indigenous Australians Agency and Army, now in its 28th year. You can find out more via the link below!

https://www.defence.gov.au/…/army-training-boost…

Jacintha McAvoy-Geia, Murri Gummaz Coach & Founder, Layla Geck and Jara’Kyah McAvoy Turpin, Womens Team and Junior Team players, talking about the Murri Gummaz – From Local Legends to International Ambassadors! The Murri Gummaz – a powerhouse of First Nations talent – have dominated the Queensland Murri Carnival and Mackay All Blacks Carnival for three years straight. But 2025 is their biggest year yet – They’ve been invited by Samoa NRL to take on the international stage! Their junior and women’s squads will proudly represent our culture, community, and spirit across the Pacific. But they can’t do it alone. They’re calling on the community, businesses, and deadly supporters to help take this next big step. Murri Gummaz is more than a rugby league team – it’s a movement. How you can help? They’re raising funds to cover travel, flights, and accommodation for 32 strong, proud women and girls on their Samoa campaign. Every dollar helps turn this dream into reality. Want to sponsor or donate? You can email them at murrigummaz@outlook.com or try the gofundme via the link below! Congratulations, ladies and good luck!

https://www.gofundme.com/…/murri-gummaz-get-our-teams…

Melinda Hammond, Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) Nutrition and Health Mnaager, talking about how CEQ has championed healthy start for First Nations infants with baby food range overhaul. Driven by CEQ’s vision of Caring, Every Day, Always, the update follows a comprehensive review led by CEQ’s nutrition and buying teams and prioritised by the CEQ Board to ensure babies and young children have better access to healthier food options from their very first bites. The updated range focuses on nutritious, iron-rich, and lower-sugar options that support early development – such as meat-based meals, iron-fortified cereals, and vegetable-based meals – while reducing the shelf presence of products high in added sugars, such as sweetened custards and fruit-based purees. CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and in Doomadgee and on Palm Island through its 31 stores. You can find out more via the link below!

https://www.ceqld.org.au/…/ceq-champions-healthy-start…

Have something happening in your community, and you want to talk about it, give us a call on 1800 422 416. Or Give us a text on 0457 140 550!

We would also like to thank the Community Broadcasting Foundation and National Indigenous Australians Agency for their support here at BBM 98.7FM.

Make sure to tune in Monday-Friday 11am-12pm QLD Time to stay up to date with the latest national events.