Some of the Radio EMFM team (back from left) sponsorship and station manager John Vincent, president Roger Peake, Graham Hodgson; (front) Ellie Wallace, secretary Dot Hammond and vice-president Jim Harris in 2024. Photo: Oliver Shedden.
Photo by
Oliver Shedden
Echuca-Moama is a thriving community that is only growing. One of the many reasons people love the region is the multitude of groups they can be part of.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
To help you find the right group, check out our ‘Why not join ...’ series each week, where we focus on a community group.
In today’s edition, Emily Donohoe speaks to Radio EMFM 104.7.
Whether you have always wanted to hear your voice on the airwaves or have been curious to see radio from behind-the-scenes, there is plenty of room in the Radio EMFM studios.
Since 1997, the station has been transmitting the sounds of the mighty Murray across the area thanks to the support of its volunteers.
One of those volunteers is John Vincent, who jumped on board about 12 years ago and currently serves as sponsorship and station manager.
“The family business used to sponsor EMFM and I said ‘when I retire, I will get involved’,” he said.
“At the time, it was in need of rejuvenating, so myself, Maree and Jim Harris and a couple of others got their heads together and started getting the place moving again.”
Maree Harris joined the EMFM team in 2014, stepping into the role of secretary from 2015 to 2021 and is currently grants officer.
Under her leadership, EMFM has received many grants, including from Campaspe Shire Council, Foundation for Rural and Regional Redevelopment and Community Broadcast Foundation.
John Vincent and Roger Peake at the installation of Radio EMFM’s new aerial. Photo: Ryan Bellingham.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
In 2022, EMFM moved into its new space at Echuca East Recreation Reserve, supported by council, with all-new equipment funded by CBF.
“The shire built a whole new studio for us, a whole new complex,” Mrs Harris said.
“That took quite a few years to come to fruition, but it’s a jewel in the shire’s crown, really.
“It’s something to be very proud of.”
Volunteers keep the station running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The station also supports different organisations and clubs, including through outside broadcasts at different events.
“We try to do as much as we can for the community as we’re a community resource,” Mr Vincent said.
“We would like to see more community organisations get in touch with us because it’s their radio station.
“We try and do as many outside broadcasts as we can.”
The station always welcomes volunteers to jump on board as presenters, where they can learn how to use the radio software and get hands-on experience behind the broadcasting desk.
“Presenters can learn how to use the system, how to play our software,” Mr Vincent said.
“They can get a better understanding of the music industry by studying playlists before they go on air.
“The opportunity to learn the legislation, learn what’s necessary, learn the dos and don’ts.
“And it’s free, all you have to do is give up some of your spare time.”
There are also volunteer roles in other capacities, like admin, including social media and around the office, and IT support.
“We desperately need an IT person, someone that’s got hands-on computer skills that can learn our system and how it all works,” Mr Vincent said.
“Music library categorising, the logging of music, updating of forms and applications.
“We desperately need someone that’s good on social media.”
To get involved with Radio EMFM, reach out by emailing info@radioemfm.org.au or call the office on 5480 2085.
18°C