The first Indigenous radio station in Cairns in far-north Queensland has been placed into the hands of an administrator.

Bumma Bippera was granted a full time community radio licence in 1999 and broadcast throughout far-north Queensland.

The local Aboriginal community got together to start a radio station because it felt uneasy with mainstream broadcasters inadequately covering Indigenous issues over the airwaves. This gave added fuel to a desire within the local Indigenous community to establish a radio station and get a community radio licence.

‘Bumma’ and ‘Bippera’ are two Aboriginal word taken from the Yalangi language of Cairns.

‘Bumma’ means the people of the rainforest
‘Bippera’ means talking as a group of people.

Its award-winning Talk Black program was heard across the country.

But despite its success, Glen Walker was appointed as an administrator last month.

Mr Walker declined to say why he was appointed or to describe the federally-funded station’s financial situation.

Last year, independent auditors expressed uncertainty as to whether the station could continue.

They did not believe it could meet its debts and said it may have to be wound up.

Station manager Ken Reys declined to comment to ABC Queensland.