It’s nearly a decade since ‘The Voice of the Valley’ began broadcasting. With two years of preparation, Meander Valley Community Radio (MVFM 96.9)
was on the air in 2011.

Some of the people associated with the station in the beginning days were Rod Willey, Roy Jury, Marg Leedham, Di Whitely, Robin Hewlett, Sandra Johnstone, Michael O’Reilly, Lionel Walters, Mira Kuperstein and Joy Willey.

The station is tucked away in the Deloraine Creative Studios, a building complex of busy artists, craftspeople and their studios.

From the beginning, students of the local high school became involved in the station, producing and presenting programs of interviews and music, and students of all ages continue to be invited to participate.

At the 2011 Craft Fair, station committee members and volunteers conducted interviews and contributed to the broadcasting of announcements and daily programs of the event.

It was not long before many different types of program were being broadcast – play performances, book readings, and a growing range of music styles as more presenters became involved. Announcements of local news and events first appeared in 2012 and these have continued ever since.

With healthy, continuing changes of committee members, presenters and other volunteers, the station has diversified and developed. The range of music styles featured has continued to grow and all of it reflects the diversity of the people who call the Meander Valley home.

But the station is not just about music. There are the regular news and community announcements, interviews and special events.

Grants from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia have given great help to the station to pay for much-needed equipment and for operations. Meander Valley Council, Bendigo Bank and various other local businesses, clubs and individuals have also given grants and support.

MVFM is always looking for more volunteers. People interested in presenting or giving technical or office assistance are invited to contact the Station Manager, John Kenzie on 0473 232 030.

Like many voluntary organisations, the station has had its ups-and-downs but right now it’s looking strong, vibrant and growing. There are more members, clubs and sponsors than ever before.

The new studio, new committee members and presenters are onboard, new programs are being broadcast, new relationships with local bodies are being nurtured and new equipment will enable the station to widen its role even more.

Livestreaming is underway, equipment is ready for live-to-air broadcasting and plans are underway for more outside broadcasts.