Easter fun at Apple FM

A COMMUNITY radio station has welcomed students from two special schools for Easter festivities, and has thanked sponsors and supporters for making the event possible.

Apple 98.5 FM, which broadcasts from Bacchus Marsh, has run Easter events for the special needs community for about 10 years, and also holds Christmas events.

The station’s “Hour of Power” allows them to run their own program twice a month as well.

This year it was the local Mambourin and Annecto communities who popped into the Apple FM studio for some music, dancing, cake, and of course a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Apple FM 98.5 president Karellyn Dangar, said while there was a lot of work that went on behind the scenes, it was always worth it to see the smiles on the students’ faces.

“We always do something for Easter and Christmas. They’re just like everyone else… I know a lot of people shy back from them, and that’s not the way to go.

“They love their music; they love their dancing…they also go to the gym twice a month with Robin and Michael from Anytime Fitness.”

Of course, being a community radio station, funding the fantastic ideas Apple’s volunteers have in mind can be difficult – so Ms Dangar made sure to thank the supporters who make the inclusive programs possible.

“We’re so grateful to Graham Gillespie at Rustel for supporting us, Gus at the Freemasons – they’ve donated their hall for use for the gym sessions – and a lot of people behind the scenes. Also our local Councillors Paul Tatchell and Moira Berry, Eureka MP Michaela Settle, and ‘Mrs Hollywood’ Glenda Jones,” she said.

“Thank you to Gaylene as well who does a wonderful job making our cakes. We also have apologies who couldn’t make it, Sam Rae and Joe McCracken.

“We’re so grateful to the Moorabool News also, because a lot of people don’t want to support the disadvantaged community. It’s really sad… but they get such a thrill when they open the paper, and say ‘That’s me!’

“I wish everybody could see their faces, it’s like a million dollars. You can’t buy that.”