Community radio spreads the word with Inland Rail sponsorship
Local voices will be amplified in Mitchell Shire with a donation from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program enabling Mitchell Community Radio station OKR FM to take ‘radio to the people’.
February 7, 2023
Broadcasting across Broadford, Kilmore and Wallan, OKR FM covers local issues and provides a voice for community members to discuss and debate important events.
Local community groups are offered interview opportunities to promote upcoming events and meetings and the station hosts regular sessions with the Mayor, local councillors and state and federal members of parliament. It’s also the only station covering local football across the region.
OKR FM is run entirely by volunteers, including a dozen young presenters between the age of 11 and 16.
Mark Perrott, OKR FM Treasurer, said:
‘The ARTC funding will support our ‘Radio Comes to You’ monthly sessions we conduct in Wallan and Broadford from February to November.
‘Community groups join us to talk about what they are doing, how to join and to promote events.
‘Local healthcare providers, youth services, family care, Rotary, the Country Fire Authority, men’s sheds, Probus, University of the Third Age and sporting clubs have joined us to discuss their services and how to access them.’
Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australia Projects General Manager, said:
‘We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities.
‘The latest round of funding takes overall support for local communities and associations along the Inland Rail alignment to over $1 million since the program launched in 2019.
‘I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding which is open until Sunday 30 April 2023.’
The Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program offers funding between $1000 and $4000 for individuals and organisations in regional areas along the Inland Rail alignment. The funding supports organisations or individuals that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Visit the Community Sponsorships and Donations program page for more information or call 1800 732 761 or email: ircommunitysponsorships@artc.com.au to check your funding eligibility and to apply.
Please include as much information as you can to tell the story of what you want to achieve and how it will benefit your community.
