Phoenix FM rises as finalist in multiple major awards categories

ONE of the only independent broadcasting voices remaining in Central Victoria – Strathdale-based Phoenix FM 106.7 – has been nominated as a finalist in four categories, including two individual categories, in the 2025 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Awards.

Said categories are Excellence in Australian Music, Excellence in Disability Content and Engagement, Outstanding Technical Contribution (Peter Williams), plus the competitive Troy Garner Sports Award, which compere Tanya Jones has been put up for for her Sportsvox talkshow.

Mr Williams, who has served as the station’s technician since it was founded, described his role at Phoenix as being responsible for “pretty much everything from the CD player forward to the transmitter.”

“I do it because of my passion for Community Radio,” he said.

“I’m happy to do my little bit in the background and be satisfied with the job I’m doing, and if some people acknowledge it, that’s nice.

“I’m glad they like what I’ve done, but I’m just doing what I love.”

Mr Williams said he believes the Station’s service to the community is “extremely important.”

“Phoenix FM is the most diverse radio station in Bendigo,” he said.

“We don’t target a particular part of the market, we’re trying to service as wide a part of the community as possible, and that’s why we have such a diverse range of programming.

“There’s no rubber stamp at Phoenix (and) I reckon that’s fantastic.”

Ms Jones, who has been presenting her Saturday morning show for more than a decade, said she does what she does out of her combined passions for both radio and community sport.

“Once radio’s in your blood, it’s in your blood,” she said.

“(My program) presents an opportunity to cover sports that aren’t usually covered in mainstream media.

“I do the show because I love it – I don’t expect any sort of accolades or anything.

“I’m more excited to get the Phoenix FM name out there.

“The genuine part of community radio is that everyone’s supporting you and there’s no egos or competition, that’s the main thing.

“It’s all about having the best content out there and having fun at the same time.”

The award winners will be announced at the 2025 CBAA Conference in Hobart on Saturday 25 October.