First published 13 April 2021
Brisbane Indigenous Media Association (BIMA)’s vision is, “To embrace all media forms and strengthen communication of First Nations voices to educate and inform the community.” With over 30 years on the air, BIMA through 98.9FM has provided a unique blend of Country and Indigenous music. Based in Brisbane’s West End BIMA has and continues to develop and communicate First Nations’ voices to inform, educate and celebrate.
Building on the rich history of both QUT and BIMA, the partnership focuses on how QUT can support, honour and learn alongside BIMA.
Undertaking partnerships and research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations like BIMA aims to foster positive change and increase research in areas of importance to Australia's First Nations people
Ms. Angela Barney-Leitch, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy)
The principal and first project, identified as a priority by BIMA, was to conduct a review of the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. The review approach adopts an action-research method that is intuitive to BIMA’s structure, uniqueness and strength as a leading voice for First Nations people in Queensland, and Australia. Supported by a series of workshops and stakeholder interviews, the review engages the BIMA staff and Board on their perspectives on the progress of the strategic plan.
Working in genuine partnership with QUT has been a refreshing experience. The collective knowledge, skills and experience will put BIMA in good stead to honour the strong history and legacy of BIMA and become a sustainable First Nations’ enterprise for generations to come.
Mr. Jyi Lawton, Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane Indigenous Media Association
With the interim review presented to the BIMA Board in January 2021, the QUT Faculty of Business and Law team are due to deliver the final report in March 2021. Led by Dr. Tony Peloso and Mr. Ryan Menner, the review's findings will directly inform the ongoing strategic approach of BIMA. Whilst there is a clear focus on BIMA’s work to date, an objective of the review is to develop insights into potential growth opportunities for BIMA, with scope for QUT to support these opportunities through continued partnering.
The success of the partnership is based on the reciprocity, trust and commitment of both QUT and BIMA. Just as the strategic review is central to BIMA's core operations, the partnership informs and strengthens QUT's capacity to embed and deliver impactful research and learning.
This is a unique opportunity for those of us at QUT to work with a truly innovative and forward-thinking Indigenous entity that carries the voices of First Nations’ peoples who are passionate about educating and informing.
Dr. Tony Peloso, Corporate Educator
Building on this successful, vibrant and collaborative partnership is central to the Faculty of Business and Law's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Engagement Strategy, which seeks to build research partnerships with Indigenous-led organisations and businesses. The QUT Faculty of Business and Law's Centre for Decent Work and Industry provided operational and financial support for the review. Considering ways to work with the breadth of high-calibre research centres at QUT to create an impact will be an essential ingredient of future and ongoing partnerships in the Faculty of Business and Law.
Building a strong and enduring relationship with BIMA is an important dimension of celebrating Indigenous businesses and decolonising understandings of First Nations social and economic contributions.
Associate Professor Robyn Mayes, Director, Centre for Decent Work and Industry and Director, QUT Faculty of Business and Law Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Engagement Strategy
As we progress through to 2021, we are proud that QUT continues to reaffirm its commitment to Indigenous Australian Engagement, Success and Empowerment. In staying true to this affirmation QUT recognises the importance of collaboration with BIMA and other Indigenous Australian Community Organisations. We look forward to continuing to partner with BIMA in 2021; a partnership that will continue to grow with work integrated learning opportunities for our students, new and ongoing research initiatives and industry engagement opportunities with academic staff.
