About

Message Stick is a half hour TV program featuring a collection of unique, insightful and compelling documentaries that explore and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and issues.

Delivering articulate, contemporary human stories from around the country allows our audiences intimate access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lifestyles, perspectives and aspirations.

Message Stick allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to tell their stories in their own way and over the years many talented writers, producers and directors have worked in the department helping express Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on our television screens and this year the tradition continues.

History of the Indigenous Programs Unit

The Indigenous Programs Unit (IPU) was established by the ABC, in 1987, with the objective of becoming a centre of excellence for production of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander television in Australia. It is based at the ABC's Ultimo studios in Sydney.

During that time, the IPU has produced a number of stand out programs. Blackout was the longest running magazine show. It was followed by Kam Yan (meaning "come yarn" in Creole) and the music series Songlines. Its most current program is Message Stick.

In the past, the IPU also broadcasted and supervised the National Indigenous Documentary Fund - a series of half hour films on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, people and lifestyles. Many of these documentaries have won awards including Bush Mechanics, which collected an AFI Award for best Concept.

The Mob

For the Program:

• ABC Producers - Grant Saunders and Miriam Corowa
• Freelance Producers - Rima Tamou, Adrian Wills, Darlene Johnson and Kelrick Martin
• Researcher/Associate Producer - Justin Pooley, Jane Cameron, Kodie Bedford, Lindy Boylan and Rosemary Curtis
• Editor - Danielle Akayan, Robert Kabel
• Graphics - Jane Prince
• Production Assistant - Natasha Lawrence
• Producers' Assistant - Asha Anderson
• Production Supervisor - Sacha Gregson
• Production Manager - Tanya Pouwhare
• Series Producer - Dena Curtis
• Head of Indigenous - Sally Riley

For the Website:

• IA - Briony Williamson
• Design - Sharon Lee
• Developer - Warren Armstrong
• Coordinator (IPU): Natasha Lawrence
• Producer - Majhid Heath
• Series Producer - Dena Curtis
• Executive Producer - Stephanie Salter
• Head of Indigenous - Sally Riley