Big names feature on student's radio spots

Indigenous athlete Cathy Freeman and political leaders Warren Mundine and Lionel Quartermaine feature in a series of radio spots produced by an Avondale College student.
Communication major Inyika Buthmann interviewed the three as part of her four-week professional internship.
Ms Freeman is an Olympic gold medallist, Mr Mundine senior vice president of the Australian Labor Party and Mr Quartermaine a former acting chair of the now defunct Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Commission.
"They're all an inspiration to me in their own way," says Miss Buthmann.
Nine of the 13 radio spots address indigenous issues in the local Lake Macquarie area in New South Wales. The other four address issues of national significance. The main topics of discussion are education, health, Native title, politics and self-determination.
"There's a lack of knowledge about indigenous issues in Lake Macquarie," says Miss Buthmann. "It's a shame because indigenous people have such a strong culture." The 10-minute spots helped her give voice to local indigenous leaders, including Leah Armstrong from the Newcastle-based Yarnteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
"I felt like I was making a difference," says Miss Buthmann.
Miss Buthmann found producing the spots challenging and time consuming, but she and her lecturers are "very happy" with the product. "I've enjoyed the experience," she says.
Miss Buthmann has a passion for indigenous Australians. She is one herself, belonging to the Kukuyalangi tribe in northern Queensland. She sees radio as the most effective medium to create "much-needed" awareness of indigenous issues. "Everyone listens to the radio because everyone's got one," she says. "You can use it to speak straight to the community."
Miss Buthmann will graduate from Avondale College in December this year. She plans to pursue a career in radio current affairs or youth work. "Avondale's been great, but I'm ready to move on with the new challenges life will bring my way," she says.