History

Koori Radio was established from a vision to create a strong, independent Aboriginal voice in media. In the early 1990s, Gadigal Information Service (GIS) founders Cathy Craigie, the late Matthew Cook, and Tim Bishop recognised the urgent need for an Aboriginal-owned and operated media and arts organisation. Their goal was to challenge the negative stereotypes of First Nations people often portrayed in mainstream media while creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians, artists, performers, storytellers, and creatives to share their voices and cultures.

Inspired by the legacy of Radio Redfern, which had provided a powerful platform for Koori voices throughout the 1980s, the founders established Gadigal Information Service in a rented terrace on Cleveland Street, Redfern.

GIS became part of Redfern's proud tradition of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, joining the medical, legal, childcare, and social services established by the local community. As Sydney's historic Black Capital and a centre of urban First Nations activism, Redfern has long been a place where Aboriginal people have led the way in advocating for rights, self-determination, and cultural expression.

From these beginnings, Koori Radio quickly grew into Sydney's first Aboriginal-owned and operated radio station, building a dedicated network of volunteer broadcasters and supporters from across the city—then home to Australia's largest urban Aboriginal population. The station also attracted strong participation from many other First Nations communities who call Sydney home, including Pasifika and African communities, reflecting the station's commitment to inclusion, cultural diversity, and community connection.

Today, Koori Radio continues to celebrate First Nations voices, stories, music, culture, and perspectives, remaining a vital platform for community broadcasting and Aboriginal self-determination in media.