Fresh Voice creating something special

AFTER three years leading community radio station Voice FM, Ron Egeberg will step down from the position of board chair.

Mr Egeberg has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and said he was disappointed that the disease “had forced [his] hand.”

“Due to health reasons and with regret, I have resigned as chairman. I would not be able to fully discharge my role, and I do so in the very best interests of the organisation,” he said.

The pandemic has been extremely challenging for Voice, with the station almost “wiped” from the air, but it has survived, and Mr Egeberg is particularly proud of one major achievement.

“The most significant thing has been moving Voice from its dilapidated facilities at Dawson House to a purpose-built station at Barkly Square.

“We work with a remarkable mix of people and community groups who are a part of the Barkly Square family, and we’re so grateful to those who stuck with us during the organisation’s most difficult time,” he said.

“Community radio is about touching many people, and here we have people of so many diverse backgrounds engaging and working together in a cooperative way.”

Mr Egeberg said he will remain on the state-of-the-art station’s board as it implements a plan to be a “fresh Voice,” and revitalise programming for the future.

“I’m not totally walking away, I simply need to take stock of my situation. This will need time and that will then determine my future involvement,” he said.

Matt Hustwaite, also the president of Ballarat Carols by Candlelight, has been announced as the new chair, with Wes McKnight as deputy.

“Under the leadership of Matt and his team, the time is now right to launch a ‘fresh Voice,’ with new energy, focus and engagement with the community we are proud to serve and represent,” Mr Egeberg said.

“Today marks the start of new beginnings, and Matt, with the support of an energetic board, has a strategic plan in place to take the station into a viable future, importantly focussed on the broad community we serve.

“It has been a privilege to have been able to contribute to the future of our 99.9 Voice FM. The best years are ahead for it.”

Mr Hustwaite honoured Mr Egeberg who’s “put the whole station on his shoulders” in trying times.

“He continues to leave an undeniable legacy for this station as it is now, and for where it will be in many years to come, and frankly if it weren’t for Ron, there’s every chance the station would have folded, particularly through the pandemic,” he said.

“In setting up the foundations for a reimagining of the station, Ron’s done an incredible amount of work, and it’s a testament to his love and care for the Ballarat community.”

Radio has always been an interest of Mr Hustwaite, and is “in [his] blood,” as he’s the great-grandson of a previous 3BA station manager, and the brother of two presenters.

He said he’s privileged to “take the baton,” from a friend and mentor he admires to ensure Voice is “viable and sustainable,” to serve the large and growing city, and represent its diverse residents.

“We’re a platform that can bring together unique voices and celebrate all the wonderful things happening in our community. We have a unique opportunity to create something special,” he said.

“At the heart of what we’re wanting to do is reflect and celebrate our community, and be part of it, so renewed programming will amplify diverse voices, have more of a focus on local content, news talk, and interviews, and we’ll set up infrastructure for live or delayed outside broadcasting at events.

“We have a partnership with SEN in Melbourne, broadcasting AFL games and their flagship programming, which not only provides mainstream content people want to tune into, but brings more ears to the diverse shows on the rest of our program schedule.”

Mr Hustwaite said connecting with community is not just about engaging with individuals but nurturing positive partnerships and collaborations with groups like BGT Jobs and Training at Barkly Square, the City of Ballarat, Cafs, and The Ballarat Times.

“After the last couple of years where the community’s been closed off, it’s an exciting time where everything is opening up and people are reconnecting with the city.

“We want to be a part of that, and we’re in a unique position to do so,” he said.

As a not-for-profit, Voice FM continues to seek new volunteers to assist with administration, coordination, panel operation, scheduling, and production, and invites individuals and businesses to consider being sponsors.

“We welcome all-comers, and we’re in a fortunate position with three studios. More voices and community groups can access our production spaces and participate in community radio,” Mr Hustwaite said.

“Not everyone has to be put to air live, or on air at all. There are opportunities for people to pre-record at any time of the week, and be included in the schedule, so that opens more doors to more voices.”

Voice FM has launched streaming on their website, and are a new addition to the Community Radio Plus app. A new program line-up will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit voicefm.com.au.