SCMA | Southern Community Media Association

Life FM Gippsland had been running quietly for a few weeks and after some checking we discovered that the exciter had decided that after 40,000 or so hours – it was time for a break! The unit was red hot and so we needed to get it out!

A quick email to Ray at SCMA to see if anyone had a unit they could loan us prompted a quick response and two days later we picked up a unit from Plenty Valley FM. We are so grateful tat we didn’t have to take the station off air while we sorted this out.

The team at PlentyValley were very helpful and we’re hoping to hear soon what we need for our transmitter. Great networking and terrific service from SCMA! Thanks everyone.

Deb Bye Station Manager Life FM Gippsland

Rob Stewart, Treasurer of 3BBR-FM, got the surprise of his life when he was announced as the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship.

This is Rotary’s way of recognising appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs.. Recipients are presented with a certificate, a medallion, and a lapel pin, which identifies them as advocates of the Rotary Foundation’s goal of world peace and understanding.

From what we have seen of Rob’s work at 3BBR-FM, it is a well-deserved accolade. Rob led a small team of workers to transform the drab bathroom, turning it into a light, bright, disability friendly facility, installed a ramp at the entrance and persuaded the shire to put up finger signs to the station. And those are just the major achievements.

We were delighted to be able to join the long list of organisations which recommended Rob for the fellowship.

Peter Weeks from member station UG FM was the MC for the reopening of the Marysville SES HQ following the Feb 7th fires. As well as Peter’s involvement with UG FM he is also an SES volunteer and SES Media Liaison Officer with the Alexandra Unit.

The majority of the SES Building was badly damaged and Marysville lost much of their equipment and primary rescue vehicle that has been replaced. The Victorian Historic Racing Register Club raised $28,000 to replace road accident equipment and that was also handed over. The SES Long service Medals for 10 and 30 years of services were awarded by the Premier to Marysville volunteers.

UG FM decided to broadcast some of the activities on the day with their new Tieline outside Broadcast Equipment funded by the Bendigo Bank Community Fund to the tune of $17,000 and talked live via NextG IP connection back to their Alexandra Studios and across their network of 5 transmitters.

Peter advised they were fortunate that, at late notice, the Premier of Victoria and the following day the Prime Minister both payed a visit. Both were more than happy to have a chat live on UGFM together. That’s something you don’t see too often.

The Prime Minister appeared to really enjoy the day. It was her first official function in Victoria as Prime Minister.

The quote of the day goes to the Prime Minister. Peter Weeks reported that following the largest media conference he had ever seen the PM told them all “Ok we have to go and talk on Community Radio now”

And they did, on UGFM!

Apologies for the small images pics taken on phone

Monday 5th July 2010

Voice FM announces the release of their new website – www.voicefm.com.au

An exciting addition to not only Ballarats own community broadcaster but a great community resource for all.
www.voicefm.com.au is designed as a resource and information portal as well as a contact point for all things relating to the Ballarat community.

The site features a myriad of information including an events guide, a comprehensive gig guide, local news, community information and dynamic links for all things Ballarat. This valuable community asset has been a long time coming and aims to improve community access to information our community demands.

Tully Smith the Chairman of Voice FM said “We at your community station 99.9 Voice FM have been undergoing significant change in recent months with a real focus on the needs of the Ballarat community. Voice FM believes the Ballarat community deserve a website that truly reflects the happenings and events within our community”.

We encourage all parts of our community to actively participate in this vital communication portal and the website will facilitate quick easy access to local information, news and events.

Ends

Media Contact: Brad Ward (Web Master) – 0488 616 924

“I personally and on behalf of 5 TCB would also like to thank all member stations. It’s due to the SCMA and member stations like yourselves that community radio is what it is today.”

Sardia (scad) Kakoschke 5TCB Bordertown S.A

The SCMA jumped on board with 5TCB Bordertown by throwing our CEO into “The 48 Hour Lockdown” an amazing event to support 5TCB and The Leukaemia Foundation.

Ray Hazen, CEO of SCMA was Locked Down! for 48 Hours in the Studios of 5TCB in an effort to fund raise for two important community organisations.

No Sleep! No Connection to the outside world, Ray, Scad & Mandy locked down! It was a challanage that was answered with massive success.

Over $3000 was raised from donations locally, nationally and internationally thanks to the success of streaming online.

The SCMA assisted 5TCB by facilitating the online streaming which saw huge interest in the event.

It’s the “Can Do” attitude of the SCMA that adds that little bit extra for the benefit of members.

“On behalf of the West Wyalong community radio we would like to thank you and all the station that helped in our little hiccup.

The 100% effort and support will not be forgotten and if I or our station can help in anyway please do not hesitate to ask. Once again many thanks for today.”

Chris Butcher West Wyalong Community Radio N.S.W