Radio station turns up volume for 40th birthday

AFTER beginning during a time of Crocodile Dundee and INXS, a community radio station is celebrating four decades on the air.

Today (Friday 1 May), past and present announcers are back behind the mic at Voice FM at Barkly Square to mark the station’s 40th birthday.

In 1986, the station received a full licence, addressing the need for community-run broadcasting in the Ballarat region.

Voice FM vice-chair Belinda Wardle said that as a disability support worker, she had seen the work the station had done breaking down barriers for entry into broadcasting.

“While I originally walked in to help someone else find their voice, I quickly realised that our station was an outlet to ensure everyone in Ballarat is heard,” she said.

“We are focused on making it easier for Ballarat’s diverse voices, including local community groups and upcoming artists, to get the recognition they deserve.”

Station manager Ben Daniel said Voice FM had given thousands of people a means to express themselves.

“From presenters, to staff, to volunteers, to work experience participants, members, guests and interviewees and beyond, it has been a crucial outlet for an independent, alternative voice to our community in the Ballarat area,” he said.

Today one voice on the air will be original station manager David Dahlenburg.

He along with other feature presenters will reflect on the past and the station’s future.

Other events as part of the station’s birthday will happen later this year. They will include radio programs about the station’s history and future, special in-studio guests, an online series and outside broadcasts.

More information about the station is available on 99.9FM and at voicefm.org.au