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Michelle Rowland, the Minister for Communications, paid her first official visit to Braidwood FM, where she spoke with volunteers and staff about the station’s challenges, experiences, and role in natural disasters.
Braidwood FM, a little community radio station, had its volunteer team broadcast 24 hours a day to keep the people safe during the devastating bushfires of 2019-2020.
The station had just recently expanded its transmission range when fast-evolving fires threatened the town of about 1,600 people.
Station volunteers, armed with maps and local knowledge, broadcasted hourly updates from the Rural Fire Service, directly connecting listeners to the source of information.
Rowland tweeted, “In the past couple of weeks, a lot has been going on behind the scenes. But today was my first official Ministerial visit within the Communications sector, where I visited the community radio station, Braidwood FM.”
Braidwood, a lifeline
In recognizing Braidwood FM’s efforts during the disaster, Rowland called the station a “lifeline.”
The Minister said, “When the 2020 bushfires blazed through the regions, community radio was a constant. Through the early hours of the morning and into the night.”
“It broadcast the movements of the fire and helped the community stay safe during this devastating time. It’s more than a community broadcaster – during the bushfires, Braidwood FM was a lifeline.”
Braidwood FM’s Station Manager Gordon Waters said that the small community station run entirely by volunteers was thrilled that the Minister made the time to visit their station.
Waters said, “It’s the people of community radio that keeps it going, and it meant a lot to all of us to know that not only did the Minister know we existed, but actually came and saw our studio.”
“It was only due to the commitment and passion for our community and our station that kept us going for nearly 2 Months night and day during the fires, and we know that what we did save lives. It is great to get recognised for our efforts, and we are proud and thankful to say that no lives were lost in Braidwood region during that time.”
The visit also pleased the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia.
CBAA’s CEO Jon Bisset said, “We are very pleased that the Minister took the time to visit Braidwood FM. It shows Labor recognises the vital role community radio plays in supporting vibrant Australian communities.”
Bisset added, “Across our sector, stations have been at the forefront of providing support and connection through recent disasters – like Bay FM’s relief efforts for Byron Shire, connecting people with critical services, meals, and medical care after the recent floods.”
Read also: CBAA welcomes Labor election announcement of support (commsroom.co)
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
