On Sunday 18th August 2019 Noongar Radio’s most beloved program, the iconic Inside Out makes its long-awaited return with a dynamic new regular host.
Keeping loved ones connected on the inside to country, family, language and culture, Inside Out features a weekly four-hour dose of shout-outs, music, poetry, positive messages and stories from the inside serving crucial community concerns not addressed by commercial broadcasting.
Inside Out quickly became Noongar Radio’s most popular show amassing more than 270 requests per week. For over eight years from 2010, TV sets in prison cells tuned in in unison across Western Australia from Greenough to Acacia, Meekatharra to Boronia. Winning “Best New Program” at the CBAA’s in 2011, the program has been in hiatus over the past twelve months.
New host Neil Coyne (pictured) needs little introduction. As NC Viper, he is Noongar boodja’s first wrestler and features in the upcoming NITV Vulcan Championship Wrestling.
Coyne is also host of NITV’s long-running Noongar Dandjoo, co-host of Noongar Radio’s Saturday morning longstanding sports show The Smash Crew and recently won the City of Belmont’s 2019 NAIDOC Community Person Award.
With such experience, Neil is unfazed by the huge challenge ahead. “What I want do is keep those connections… Music sparks strong memories that reinforce bonds in the community, let those inside feel that they’re still loved, they have those on the outside that care about them and play a song that’s special to both of them.”
Neil is conscious of WA’s high incarnation rates and the responsibility it brings to his community. “It’s good to show they’re doing positive stuff inside jail.”
First Nations people represent only 3% of the total population, yet approximately 30% of Australia’s prison population. “It’s not about me, it’s about you, showing your loved ones inside you still care about them and still thinking of them and from the inside, that they’re doing well in the prison system. It’s so important keeping those connections between family and culture.”
Aboriginal adults are 16 times more likely to be incarcerated. Juveniles in Western Australia are 52 times more likely.
International studies have found substantial improvements in anxiety and mental health of the prisoner population through such programs.
Inside Out is made possible through the support of the CBF (Community Broadcasting Foundation), Sundays 5pm to 9pm on 100.9FM Noongar Radio, Noongar Radio Digital and streamed live on www.noongarradio.com.
100.9FM Noongar Radio is Perth’s only Indigenous radio station. Requests and shout-outs can be made on the dedicated SMS Request line 0448 821 186, by email to [email protected] or by Facebook at 100.9FM Noongar Radio or Inside Out 100.9FM.
