Voice FM’s new home confirmed

A SUBSTANTIAL donation from the Irene and Les Lillingston Trust to cover the relocation of Voice FM to Barkly Square was announced at the station’s Annual General Meeting.

The newly elected board confirmed at its first meeting held a few days later that the radio station will commence broadcasting from its new location in Ballarat East on Sunday, 1 December.

“This generous support will see a 21st century broadcasting facility for Voice FM,” Ron Egeberg, the newly elected Chair said.

The Trust approached the station when it learned about its relocation requirements and in particular the need for appropriate disability access.

On reading Voice’s proposal, the Trust found it acceptable and approved financial support for the broadcaster.

“Funding from the Trust doesn’t go all the way to fulfilling our necessities, but it certainly allows us to actually make the move to Barkly Square,” Mr Egeberg said.

A timeline for the relocation implementation was confirmed at the board meeting on Saturday by the recently elected office bearers including Deputy Chair Ron Woods, Secretary Caitlin Larcombe and Treasurer Justin Thompson together with members Craig Blomeley, Mike Hills and Warren Loorham.

The leadership team at Voice FM is planning to ensure that the station operates on a more professional footing with more space, better functioning facilities and extra studios at its new premises.

“The skills and abilities that we now have on the board will see us being able to do all that is necessary, particularly compliance and governance to ensure that we have a stable financial base moving forward,” Mr Egeberg said.

“All of which complements Voice FM’s drive to further enhance and broaden its program diversity and community engagement.”

Voice-FM is still on the funding trail with both State and Federal governments approached for support with the development of new programs with a focus on youth.

A new sponsorship proposal for local business and a call to the community for donations supporting the renewal project will get underway soon.

“This is an exciting and challenging time for Voice FM, not only with the move but also with essential changes being made to our operation into the future,” Mr Egeberg said.

Voice FM operates an annual subscription business model at four levels, individual and not for profit organisations can sign up at $55, student and concession holders at $30 and commercial business sub is $125.