COMMUNITY radio is continuing to grow throughout the region, with Hepburn Community Radio back on air and new faces at Voice FM Ballarat.
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Over in Daylesford, Hepburn Community Radio has been a pillar of the community since it was established in 2014.
However, due to technical difficulties with an internet connection, it has not been able to broadcast during the past six months.
But the home of the radio station has since been relocated at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre site and so the station presenters are preparing to begin broadcasting community news and special interest programs once again.
While music has been broadcast 24/7 during the past few weeks, as of this Saturday, the first show - The Game Room with Scott - will be broadcast while the breakfast program with Max Primmer will return on Monday from 7 until 9am.
Presenter Robyn Rogers said volunteers were currently looking at resurrecting a number of its old programs and were also looking at new ideas such as an arts program, a food and wine program and youth program.
Apart from a desire to grow its audience once again, the volunteers are looking for suggestions from people about program ideas and interest from others who would like to present a program.
"Even if you have never presented on air or fancy yourself as a DJ, if you'd like to have a go and have a skill or talent you'd like to share, we would love to hear from you," Ms Rogers said.
Experience is not required as new presenters are trained and supported by more experienced presenters, while shows can be pitched based on any field a person is talented at, such as gardening.
Hepburn Community Radio is a digital station and so can be listened to through the 'Tune In' phone app or via their website.
Ms Rogers said the station played music and would offer a diverse range of programs to interest young people as well as adults but what was most special about the station was that it is programming created by locals for locals.
Meanwhile, Ballarat's community radio station, 99.9 Voice FM, on Tuesday announced that it had appointed veteran media operator John Rowland as its station manager "to lead the volunteer organisation into the future with a focus on growing our audience by broadening our programs and increasing youth engagement and leadership," a media release read.
Mr Rowland has had a long career in broadcasting and has worked for organisations such as the BBC, ABC Radio and 3AW. In more recent years he has operated his own media business and has developed an interest in community radio.
The appointment comes after the station moved into its new home at Barkly Square in Ballarat East and received registered charity status.
It has also implemented a new financial plan and has developed a long-term sustainable business plan including a revenue-raising strategy.
The station is also working to grow its listenership, with the board reviewing programming to increase youth engagement.
As such it is keen to attract new presenters, production assistance and panel operators. People with experience in business development, sales, finance, bookkeeping and reception are also sought.
Hepburn Community Radio can be contacted via its Facebook page while Voice FM can be contacted via its website or Facebook page.
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