Central Queensland University has produced unique recordings of indigenous music for a CD released this week, which coincides with National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2002.

CQU’s Dr Karl Neuenfeldt, a lecturer at the university’s Bundaberg Campus, believes the new CD, Listen Up: Music of Black Australia(Skinnyfish Music, Darwin) is an important record of indigenous culture. The university is currently working on projects that preserve music and other cultural treasures of the indigenous peoples of tropical northern Australia and the east coast of Queensland.

“We’re fortunate to be working these communities. We recognise, together, that the preservation and dissemination of aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is of major importance to them and Australia as a whole,” he said.

Regional universities, like CQU, have a significant contribution to make to the preservation and dissemination of indigenous culture. According to Dr Neuenfeldt, the geographical location of CQU gives the university an unmatched perspective on indigenous issues. “The unique work conducted at CQU is particularly important because is not centred around the populated and easy-to-reach areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra” said Dr Neuenfeldt.

University Multimedia students recorded the music for current and future generations to enjoy and appreciate. CQU collaborates with organisations such as the National Museum and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, contributing to, or wholly producing pieces for museum exhibits, and other important activities to ensure that awareness, appreciation, knowledge of Australia’s indigenous people continues to grow.

The new CD Listen Up: Music of Black Australia, launched in Canberra on Thursday 11 July, features artists such as George Rrurrumbu, Seaman Dan, the Stiff Gins, Nabarlek and others.