Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 19 hrs ago
Broadcaster warns six Groote Eylandt communities lack emergency radio coverage
Percy Bishop broadcast for 32 hours as Tropical Cyclone Narelle passed Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory in March.
The cyclone left trees down but caused minimal lasting damage, and political leaders praised Bishop for keeping people informed.
He says six remote communities cannot receive the station’s broadcasts, although Radio Angurugu reaches the larger communities of Angurugu and Umbakumba.
The smaller communities may also lack reliable mobile and internet access during storms, raising concerns about how residents would receive warnings.
Bishop wants the station to reach further and says he has raised the issue with political leaders and the Anindilyakwa Land Council, which provides most of the station’s funding.
The land council’s chief executive supports more resources, but no details about changes to the station’s coverage have been given.
Broadcaster Percy Bishop says six remote communities on Groote Eylandt lack access to emergency radio coverage.
Bishop raised the concern after broadcasting live for 32 hours during Tropical Cyclone Narelle in March.
Radio Angurugu broadcasts in Anindilyakwa and English and mainly reaches Angurugu and Umbakumba.
Bishop says wider coverage is needed to warn communities about cyclones, fires and other emergencies.
The Anindilyakwa Land Council chief executive said he supported the bid for more resources.
- Who
- Percy Bishop, a community radio broadcaster, says six communities lack emergency radio coverage.
- What
- Bishop is seeking resources to extend Radio Angurugu’s reach.
- When
- The concern follows Tropical Cyclone Narelle in March; the article was published on November 7, 2026.
- Where
- Groote Eylandt, in the Northern Territory.
- Why
- Bishop says remote communities need access to emergency information, especially during cyclones and other dangerous situations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Percy Bishop broadcast live for 32 hours as Tropical Cyclone Narelle passed Groote Eylandt.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro visited Groote Eylandt and praised Bishop’s emergency broadcasting.
Bishop continued raising concerns that six remote communities could not access Radio Angurugu.
- Communities without coverage
- Six satellite communities on Groote Eylandt
- Radio station
- Radio Angurugu
- Broadcast frequency
- 102.9FM
- Main communities reached
- Angurugu and Umbakumba
- Broadcast languages
- Anindilyakwa and English
- Broadcasting during cyclone
- 32 hours
What people are saying
The story is, sadly, that six satellite communities that are vulnerable communities on Groote Eylandt are not connected at all.
This isn't a radio request, this is a human rights demand to have the access, to be informed through any dangerous situation … we have yearly cyclones here.
It'll be unsafe for them, and for their kids and family.
I take my hat off to Percy, he went above and beyond to ensure the