Community-based TV

Tuesday, 29 May, 2001 - 22:00
A NEW media hub is in the making in the cultural heart of Perth.

Community Television, the program production arm of Access 31, has put to good use last year’s $200,000 grant from the Lotteries Commission and will tomorrow unveil a new production facility at its heritage-listed Swan Barracks home.

Digital editing, lighting, cameras and sound equipment have been moved into the new 350sqm premises, which was formerly the military ordinance store.

And C-TV will be looking to forge strong links with its neighbours, Central TAFE, with a view to using its production studios.

C-TV administrator Don Sivyer envisaged the Swan Barracks would become something of a “media hub” in the area.

“Of course being a community organisation we are limited by the space and finances,” Mr Sivyer said.

A second grant of a similar amount would be made available to the organisation later this year.

C-TV now was looking to develop links with educational institutions, especially practical educational institutions such as TAFE, Mr Sivyer said.

“We have TAFE (media) students come in here on work experience … some interior design students came in and are looking at what they can do with our premises, and some other students have designed us some business cards,” he said.

“We have work for the dole programs run here and secondary students come here for work experience.

“We are definitely looking to build bridges with TAFE and other education authorities.”

C-TV provides access to airtime, production equipment and training primarily for not-for-profit community groups.

C-TV moved into the Swan Barracks shortly after Christmas. It was previously housed with Access 31 at the Edith Cowan University Mount Lawley campus.

Access 31 was originally meant to be housed at Central TAFE but the arrangement never came to fruition.