Indigenous radio star Tiga Bayles dies from cancer aged 62

ONE of the country’s most influential indigenous media personalities, Tiga Bayles, has died from cancer.

bima. PG219876. 98.9 FM presenter Tiga Bayles in the station's new headquarters at West End.

ONE of the country’s most influential media personalities, Tiga Bayles, has died from cancer.

Tributes were flowing online yesterday for the Queensland radio broadcaster.

Mr Bayles was a founder of the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association’s 98.9FM radio station.

In a statement yesterday, BIMA said Mr Bayles, 62, was a leading figure in the Aboriginal rights movement, and was Australia’s most prominent and awarded indigenous broadcaster.

Tiga Bayles last year.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tiga Bayles, a Birri Gubba Gungalu man and a Dawson River Murri, who died early this morning after a long battle with cancer,” the statement read.

“Among his many honours, Tiga was the inaugural winner of the national Deadly Award for Indigenous Broadcaster of the Year, and his work around decolonisation and invasion was recognised by Amnesty International’s inaugural media awards in 2014.”

Mr Bayles raised nine girls, and was named Queensland Father of the Year in 2005.

Country singer Troy ­Cassar-Daly paid tribute to his “wonderful friend” saying: “His daily program was always an educational hour for me and so many others who tuned in and I will miss his voice saying ‘Hello and welcome to Let’s Talk’ on the radio.

“You will be missed by many, Tiga, and I’m so glad you passed on your spirit to the many who have met you”.