Broadcaster highlights radio gaps for remote communities on cyclone‑prone Groote Eylandt

Percy Bishop, a long‑term community radio presenter on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, spent more than 32 hours on air in March to track the approach of Tropical Cyclone Narelle. The marathon broadcast was carried on Radio Angurugu, which transmits on 102.9 FM from the island’s western coast.

Following the cyclone’s passage, officials including NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy and NT Opposition Leader Selena Uibo visited the island and praised Bishop’s effort. The officials described the coverage as valuable for keeping residents informed during the storm.

Bishop said the recognition does not reflect the broader issue he sees on Groote Eylandt. He noted that six small satellite communities on the island, identified as homelands, do not receive the radio signal and therefore lack a reliable emergency information channel during severe weather events.

Radio Angurugu is an independent station that receives most of its funding from the Anindilyakwa Land Council. Bishop has raised the lack of coverage with the council and other authorities, urging additional resources to extend the broadcast reach to the unserved homelands.

The island’s infrastructure was surveyed after Cyclone Narelle, with officials reporting limited lasting damage such as downed trees. While the broadcast helped keep the main population informed, Bishop’s comments highlight an ongoing gap in emergency communication for remote sections of the community.