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Voices of Community Radio The Unsung Heroes Behind the Microphone By Oliver Riddle
In a world of streaming giants, commercial radio, and ever-scrolling social feeds, one might think community radio is yesterday’s news. But in studios right around South Australia, the spirit of local broadcasting is not only alive, it’s thriving.
Community radio has quietly been serving South Australians for over 50 years. It’s where footy fanatics, retired music teachers, and curious teenagers find common ground through a shared frequency. And it all began with one pioneering signal.
In 1972, the University of Adelaide launched 5UV, now known as Radio Adelaide, the first licensed community radio station in Australia. It was a revolutionary idea at the time, giving everyday people access to the airwaves. But that single act opened the door to a national movement. These days, there are dozens of community-run stations across South Australia, and no two are the same.
Take Tribe FM in Willunga, for example. Known for its grassroots energy and Southern Football League coverage, the station plays a key role in local sport. Program Manager Charlie Ellis says live commentary is just part of what makes the station special.
“We're the only station that does Southern Football League’s match of the day, and I think that's unbelievably important. There's still a lot of people who live in this area who used to play for a particular team and they wanna hear what's happening,” he explains.
Further up the road, Coast FM in Plympton caters to a different demographic, one that skews older and more isolated.
“Radio gives people company, especially those who live alone,” presenter Russell Gallman shared. “We love to play older music, which brings in a lot of older listeners, and we’re glad to help remind people they’re part of a very special local community.”
At Fleurieu FM in Victor Harbor, that sense of connection plays out in unique and personal ways. Presenter Sue Lake, who hosts an all-female music program, says her playlist choices often strike unexpected chords.
“Most of the people that listen and text me are men,” she laughs. “They’ll send me music suggestions, tell me which female artists they’re loving, there’s this really strong back-and-forth.”
But this sense of connection isn’t just sentimental, it’s practical too. In 2015, when the Pinery bushfire tore through South Australia’s mid north, local stations and volunteer radio operators became an emergency lifeline. With power lines down and phone signals jammed, small radio networks helped deliver evacuation orders, livestock alerts, and real-time updates, some broadcasting from makeshift setups in cars and sheds.
Events like the Pinery bushfire revealed the strength of South Australia’s local radio network. Keeping those vital signals alive takes more than just goodwill, it takes coordination, funding, and training.
Behind many of these stations is the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), a national body that supports over 450 licensed community broadcasters.
“We want to be at the heart of every community, whether that’s a cultural group, a regional town, or a community of interest,” said Reece Kinnane, CBAA’s Communications and Advocacy Manager.
“Our job is to help stations be strong and successful, through funding, training, technical support, and making sure their value is heard at a national level.”
And for some, local radio becomes more than a passion project, it’s the start of a career. Just ask Ben and Liam, who began hosting breakfast on Adelaide’s Fresh 92.7 before moving to Triple J, and eventually their own commercial show on Nova.
Even university students are stepping up. UniCast Radio, run by students at UniSA, gives young producers and presenters the chance to cut their teeth behind the mic.
Radio Adelaide’s Nicky Page knows just how important the younger generation is. Nicky has worked in radio for over 40 years, helping teach many University students and people looking to get involved.
“I’ve loved my time teaching radio, and I’ve found that my students have helped my radio skills get better and better,” she says. “Community radio gives you the freedom to grow without fear.”
At Fleurieu FM, nurturing talent is just as vital. Sue says the station is proudly multi-generational.
“We’re lucky, our youngest presenter is 16 and hosts an 80s show after school,” she explains. “Another young woman presents an Indigenous program. Supporting them, making sure they feel confident and have what they need, that’s a big part of why I stay involved.”
And for every aspiring pro, there are countless others who show up simply for the love of it. Retirees keeping music alive, migrants sharing their language, locals spinning tracks that’ll never make a Spotify playlist.
“We have over 5 million listeners every week,” Reece added. “And they’re not just tuning in, they trust and rely on their local stations. That’s the kind of impact you can’t fake.”
From technical operators adjusting antennas on rooftops to presenters prepping playlists late into the night, it’s the passion, says Charlie, that keeps local stations alive. “That and a whole host of volunteers with an interest in broadcasting.”
In an age of global media, algorithms and endless content, community radio offers something refreshing: a real voice, a familiar name, and a place where the local still matters.
Whether it’s bushfire updates or local banter, it’s clear that the microphone may be small, but the message is loud.
And you can hear the full Voices of Community Radio podcast on the channel Behind the Broadcast, on Spotify.
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I created my own community radio podcast, a platform where I produced and engaging podcast that blended news, interviews, and entertainment, all about local radio! From concept to broadcast, I handled research, scriptwriting, recording, editing, and publishing, ensuring it was polished and connected with listeners. Making this podcast strengthened my skills in storytelling, audio production, audience engagement, and project management. It’s a core part of my skill set because it demonstrates my ability to take an idea from inception to a professional, broadcast-ready product.
You can hear the full podcast on Spotify, simply search Behind the Broadcast, Voice's of Community Radio. Below is the article I wrote about my Podcast:
I have experience designing logos, branding, and visual content for radio shows, podcasts, and social media platforms like Instagram. This includes creating eye-catching graphics, banners, and promotional materials that align with the brand’s identity and engage audiences. Through this work, I’ve developed skills in digital design software, visual storytelling, and audience-focused content creation, allowing me to deliver polished, professional, and consistent visuals that enhance both online and broadcast presence.
Here's my logo for my own Instagram page: Footyheadliner
$100 million wave resort set to make a splash for Adelaide locals, but is everyone on board with the idea?
Plans have been unveiled regarding the development of ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort, offering modern wave technology, accommodation, as well as retail outlets in an effort to boost local tourism.
The idea was brought to life by the projects founders, Ben McCarthy, Richard Sheppard, Leigh Gapp, and Dwight Stuchbery who all have expertise in property finance, engineering and surf park technology.
The site of the development will be on Tuit Road, Port Willunga, right next to the Port Willunga Tourist Park. The City of Onkaparinga recently approved the proposal, declaring the proposed development “is considered to enhance and protect the region’s tourism attributes while contributing to the economic, social and physical wellbeing of the community.”
Construction is set to begin next year, with planned completion by mid 2026. The South Australian Government is planning for an estimated 320,000 tourists each year, with Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison saying, “the ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort will add another layer of wellness and surf-inspired tourism for the region, while also driving economic and social outcomes for the local community.”
When speaking to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mawson, Leon Bignell, he says “I think it’s a great idea. As a former Tourism Minister I know people travel for as many different activities as possible in the one spot. I see the wave resort as another potential draw card for the local area.”
When asked about the possible benefits of the wave resort, Mr Bignell declares, “this project will provide more tourism, a boost for our economy and more jobs for local area.”
Mr Bignell also spoke about the importance of keeping up with sporting infrastructure stating “Surfing is an Olympic sport now, and I know people who fly interstate to use surf parks.” He also believes that as we invest in skate parks, another Olympic sport, we should help aspiring surfers as well.
Mr Bignell was also quick to point out that this is a private development. “The argument I don’t understand is from the ill-informed who say this is a waste of 100 million tax payers dollars, this money isn’t coming from tax payers,” says Mr Bignell. However, the argument of where the money is coming from isn’t the only point of contention.
Friends of Willunga Basin (FOWB) are a not-for-profit, community-based group dedicated to preserving the environment, agricultural, beauty and significant heritage values of the Willunga Basin region. They claim, “a specific issue is how the wave resort sits within the local landscape when considered against the provisions of the Character Preservation Act 2012.”
The Character Preservation Act 2012 precludes the creation of inappropriate residential development in the McLaren Vale and Aldinga region to halt urban sprawl.
FOWB explain that, “the wave machine and pool constitute a substantial piece of infrastructure,” and the size of the pool is the same as three Olympic sized swimming pools (150m). “It is the scale and the underlying character of the facility that gives principal cause for concern.”
However, MP Leon Bignell disagrees, saying, “I am the architect of that act, and it’s all about construction that’s positive towards tourism and agriculture. The Character Preservation Act is designed to stop urban sprawl, and this doesn’t create urban sprawl.”
As previously discussed, the ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort will be situated on Tuit Road, right next to the Big 4 Port Willunga Tourist Park. When speaking to the owner of the tourist park, Dan Orken, he says, “I suspect the ‘Break, Surf & Stay’ wave resort will bring a lot of extra people to the area which will be good for our business.”
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I wrote an article for f=Aldinga Village Voice , covering Aldinga's new Wave pool! Focussing on engaging storytelling and clear, informative writing, the process involved researching the subject thoroughly, structuring the content for readability, and tailoring my writing style to fit a surfing audience. This experience strengthened my skills in content creation, editorial writing, and audience engagement, demonstrating my ability to produce polished, professional articles for online publications.
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