Tenth anniversary on the air
MVCR Committee members celebrating the station’s tenth birthday. From left: Deborah White, Nick Weare, Noelene Hansen, John Phelps, John Kenzey, Richard Colman, Bella Brown, Tim Biggs (Susan Angel, absent).
John Phelps
TEN YEARS ago, on 30 March 2011, broadcasting began at Meander Valley Community Radio (MVFM). And the station has been celebrating!
Before broadcasting began, there were four years of preparations – fundraising, searching for suitable studio premises, qualifying for various licences, recruiting volunteer personnel.
During the past decade there have been hundreds of personnel, including office workers, presenters, announcers, readers, interviewers, interviewees, information gatherers and committee members.
The local community has been much involved as members and as sponsors for goods, services and events throughout the valley.
People passing through the Deloraine Creative Studios, where the station’s studio is located, often just pop in to have a look and a chat.
Local historian Wendy Laing, has written a history of the station which is to be read on air by one of the presenters in coming weeks. She recounts some surprising stories.
Local school children have made programs, the station hosted and broadcast a candidates’ forum prior to the last council election, live broadcasts have been made from the Craft Fair and Deloraine Carols by the River.
One local farmer explained that she plays the station outside her house each night because the mixture of voices and music scares away the wallabies!
In recent months, the station has been live streaming around the world. Quite a few distant listeners have been in contact and there are now greetings and music from Germany, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, France and elsewhere.
As well as an amazing range of music genres, MVFM broadcasts community announcements, news, interviews with local people and visitors.
One exciting development planned for 2021 is a series of training courses for people to learn how to present programs. Those interested in a course or volunteering in the station, on air, in the office or in any other role may contact the station manager on 0473 232 030 or visit the station.
Tune into MVFM 96.9 any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will enjoy it!
