AFTER three years leading community radio station Voice FM, Ron Egeberg will step down from the position of board chair.<\/p>\n
Mr Egeberg has been diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s and said he was disappointed that the disease \u201chad forced [his] hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDue 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The pandemic has been extremely challenging for Voice, with the station almost \u201cwiped\u201d from the air, but it has survived, and Mr Egeberg is particularly proud of one major achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most significant thing has been moving Voice from its dilapidated facilities at Dawson House to a purpose-built station at Barkly Square.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe work with a remarkable mix of people and community groups who are a part of the Barkly Square family, and we\u2019re so grateful to those who stuck with us during the organisation\u2019s most difficult time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity radio is about touching many people, and here we have people of so many diverse backgrounds engaging and working together in a cooperative way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Egeberg said he will remain on the state-of-the-art station\u2019s board as it implements a plan to be a \u201cfresh Voice,\u201d and revitalise programming for the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Matt Hustwaite, also the president of Ballarat Carols by Candlelight, has been announced as the new chair, with Wes McKnight as deputy.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder the leadership of Matt and his team, the time is now right to launch a \u2018fresh Voice,\u2019 with new energy, focus and engagement with the community we are proud to serve and represent,\u201d Mr Egeberg said.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Hustwaite honoured Mr Egeberg who\u2019s \u201cput the whole station on his shoulders\u201d in trying times.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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\u2019t for Ron, there\u2019s every chance the station would have folded, particularly through the pandemic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn setting up the foundations for a reimagining of the station, Ron\u2019s done an incredible amount of work, and it\u2019s a testament to his love and care for the Ballarat community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Radio has always been an interest of Mr Hustwaite, and is \u201cin [his] blood,\u201d as he\u2019s the great-grandson of a previous 3BA station manager, and the brother of two presenters.<\/p>\n
He said he\u2019s privileged to \u201ctake the baton,\u201d from a friend and mentor he admires to ensure Voice is \u201cviable and sustainable,\u201d to serve the large and growing city, and represent its diverse residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the heart of what we\u2019re 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\u2019ll set up infrastructure for live or delayed outside broadcasting at events.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAfter the last couple of years where the community\u2019s been closed off, it\u2019s an exciting time where everything is opening up and people are reconnecting with the city.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to be a part of that, and we\u2019re in a unique position to do so,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe welcome all-comers, and we\u2019re in a fortunate position with three studios. More voices and community groups can access our production spaces and participate in community radio,\u201d Mr Hustwaite said.<\/p>\n \u201cNot 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.\u201d<\/p>\n