OneMob Radio takes disinterested youth and turns them into deadly stars of the airwaves

An Indigenous radio station from Gumbaynggirr country started out as a conduit for connection to mob during Covid lockdowns – but in true deadly fashion has transformed into a global airwave sensation.

Founder of OneMob Radio, Gumbaynggirr man Lachlan 'Lockie' Skinner brings contemporary yarns and tracks to mob as Naidoc Week kicks off.

What began as a way to keep mob safe during Covid has developed into a formidable Indigenous-led broadcasting channel from the beautiful lands of the Gumbaynggirr nation.

It started with yarning and hasn’t stopped since, proving the channel to be a way to continue to connect with mob of all ages.

OneMob Radio, Australia’s only First Nations-led internet based media platform, was started in 2020 by 29-year-old Gumbaynggirr man Lachlan ‘Lockie’ Skinner.

Mr Skinner was inspired by a desire to communicate effectively via OneMob during Covid to keep mob healthy and across all health notices and government directives.

The community embraced it with open arms and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Lachlan 'Lockie' Skinner broadcasting a One Mob Radio show from Gumbaynggirr country.

OneMob Radio operates as an internet based station accessible far beyond Australia with regular listeners in Paris and London.

And in a full circle moment Mr Skinner, who began his radio career at Coffs Harbour youth run community radio CHY, is now offering radio skill training to other young people in the community and in schools.

In his work, he says he can see himself reflected in the young people he is mentoring.

“Doing the workshops with the young people it takes me back to the moment I first started and I can see how I used to be,” he said.

“I had no interest in at first it just like they do and then they start getting addicted to it,” he said.

This turnaround happens 99 per cent of the time in his workshops, he says.

Being able to share stories with a wide appeal for both younger generations and elders is something Mr Skinner loves about his programming.

“One of my most memorable yarns was from an Aunty opening up about her horrible experiences of racism during the stolen generation years,” Mr Skinner said.

“It was really sad to hear and I was quite emotional after that for some time,” he said.

OneMob Radio operates as a sponsored channel and streams live daily from 6am to 8pm here.

Got a story tip? Email [e-mail]