For over 23 years, thanks to a solid team of volunteers, Vision Australia Radio in Bendigo has been delivering live regional news and information to the Goldfields region of Victoria to its local community of interest – that is, people who are blind or have low vision, and anyone with a print disability.
The station would now like to see that community behind the mic.
Vision Australia Radio Manager Conrad Browne said the network would love to hear from people who are blind or have low vison who have knowledge and a passion about their local area to deliver specialist programs.
“We’re keen to broaden our remit of providing accessible information by having more volunteer presenters with lived experience. It could be reading local history content, interviewing people of note within the community, or providing information about local accessible events and activities,” Conrad said.
No experience necessary
While enthusiasm and commitment are a must, radio experience isn’t necessary as training and ongoing support are fully available.
‘While our presenters and readers are initially, and understandably, nervous, Vision Australia Radio is such a safe and supportive environment, it doesn’t take people long to gain confidence and really start to enjoy and make the role their own,’ Conrad said.
If behind the mic isn’t your cup of tea there’s also volunteer opportunities in roster coordination, researching, production, audio editing and supporting specialist program makers.
The station is also seeking volunteers from the broader community for reading presenter roles to oversee the delivery of the program, readers, and panel operators.
Conrad is quick to point out that the station feels lucky to have the talented and dedicated team of volunteers it has.
‘Without them, our station just wouldn’t exist – they are our lifeblood. We make sure then that we take care of our volunteers and tailor the roles to people’s availability and busy schedules.’
Listen to Vision Australia Radio in Bendigo on 88.7FM and online via the Community Radio Plus app’. If you’re based in the Bendigo area and want to find out more about volunteering or have a program idea, email [email protected] or submit an expression of interest at www.varadio.org.
