Luke Robinson is a proud Bidjara man and Traditional Owner in Charleville in South-West Queensland.  

As the Acting Manager of the Bidjara Media and Broadcasting 4RR FM Radio Station, Luke sees it as his obligation as a broadcaster to clear up some confusion in the community about the COVID-19 vaccines. 

“I try not to push my beliefs onto people too much but if they ask me about it personally I’ll let them know,” Mr Robinson said.  

“But as far as the 4RR FM radio station, we’ve been doing a media campaign in regards to the COVID vaccine, producing all the facts and putting it out there for people to see.  

“Announcing it over the radio station, putting them on our social media pages and website and that sort of stuff.  

“Hoping to clear up all the myths about what side effects there are and what’s not there. Just so people are more educated about the process.” 

For himself, Luke made the choice to get vaccinated because he felt it was the safest thing for him and his family. 

“I made the choice for myself personally, because I felt it needed to be done to protect not just myself but my family, community members and my relatives.  

“Even our Elders and the younger generation who can’t get the vaccine.  

“I thought it was very important to go forward and get the COVID vaccine. 

Luke said that the station isn’t trying to push a message but provide facts.  

“We’ve had feedback from some people who ask further questions about it on our social media pages. They send messages and we’ve provided them the information they required,” he said.  

But in the end, Luke said with borders coming down soon, there is a real increased risk for First Nations people. 

“As First Nations people, we’re highly endangered by this virus. It’ll affect us.  

“There’s a high likelihood that it’s going to spread throughout most of Queensland eventually. 

“They can infect their relations you know? How would they feel if they infected their grandmother or grandfather? 

“It needs to be done to protect them.” 

If you would like more information, or to book an appointment, contact Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health.