It’s official: it’s all about the volunteers (and listeners)

Good news about the station and all its activities – especially its heavy schedule of outside broadcasts, which Roger said were an important part of the station getting out into the community.

“Once again, we have had a very busy and productive year and that has included almost a dozen outside broadcasts at important local events,” he said.

“Doing OBs also helps us help the community by shining a spotlight on local events.”

Roger said it was now four years since EMFM moved into its new studios, and since then, they have been continually updating their software and equipment.

He said they were helped with a grant from the Community Broadcasting Foundation to replace their ageing transmitter.

The replacement was installed, adjustments were made and they were able to provide a better signal – while other small grants saw new office computers and merchandise for the 30th anniversary celebrations.

“Running a community radio station around the clock, seven-days-a-week, is a monumental task – one which relies entirely on the dedication of a passionate volunteer team,” Roger explained.

“At the centre of these operations is station manager John Vincent, who wears numerous hats for the organisation, serves as the station's technical officer, handles sponsorship, records announcements, coordinates outside broadcasts, and mentors new announcers.

“His work also includes uploading community service announcements and working closely alongside William Pel to ensure daily operations run smoothly.

“The station’s vital technical and electrical infrastructure is maintained by a specialised team led by John, alongside technician Graeme Stevens and electrician board member Paul Napier, whose expertise has proven invaluable to the station's continuity.

“Rounding out the technical support is past presenter Shannon Savage, who continues to give back to the station by troubleshooting software issues remotely from Melbourne, and Dave Hollamby, whose advanced programming skills and management of recorded programs and announcements keep the station running seamlessly day and night.

“Without the extraordinary commitment of these individuals, broadcasting 24/7 would simply not be possible.”

Roger stressed the value of station sponsors and how crucial they are funding the day-to-day running costs of the station.

He said EMFM has 100-plus members – which he said showed great community support – as well as a bi-monthly newsletter edited, published and distributed by board member Maree Harris.

“William Pel began at the station as a work experience student and is continuing to work as technical assistant and digital librarian, as well as presenting his own show,” Roger said.

“Now he is currently working on developing the Radio EMFM channel on YouTube,” he said.

“And our microphones are always available to community groups: in his Out and About program on Friday mornings, Ron Wood has a regular schedule of interviews with the flexibility to add one-off chats, and our breakfast presenters regularly have guests in the studio talking about their group’s activities or forthcoming events.

“Some of those chats are converted to podcasts for later or repeat listening and are available on our website as well as the CBAA Community Radio Plus app and on the Radio EMFM YouTube channel.

“A very special thanks goes to Neil Greaves, from our sponsor Vast Creative, for his technical assistance with making the podcasts available to our members, and also with our website.”

Before closing the meeting, Roger made a well-deserved presentation of life membership to Maree Harris and Jim Harris.

“Community radio has the important job of giving a voice to the local community,” Roger said.

“With our modern studio and committed board and presenters, our radio station is playing an important part in our community, in your community.”