Goldfields FM Information

Goldfields FM is a community radio station servicing the Central Goldfields of Victoria. The radio station broadcasts from Maryborough and the signal reaches some thirty kilometres into the local area around Maryborough. Goldfields FM began broadcasting in January 2007 and this was the result of a long journey by a group of dedicated volunteers under the Strengthening Goldfields Community banner. From the beginnings of an idea in 1999, with many trials and tribulations but with unwavering community support, the station finally went to air. Much of the considerable community support for Goldfields FM no doubt rose from the ashes of the loss to the community of a well known local station, which was the original commercial radio station in the Central Goldfields before it was moved to Bendigo. Many Central Goldfields residents see Goldfields FM as a long-awaited return of a local radio presence in the area, and are very strong supporters of Goldfields FM. Goldfields FM has a Board of Management and a well-defined management team which will ensure continuing development and success. It has a growing membership and is developing a broadening family of supporters and sponsors. At present there are around fifty presenters and other station volunteers involved in broadcasting a quality and varied grid of programs to the Central Goldfields, twenty four hours a day. Goldfields FM uses state-of-the-art equipment to produce and broadcast sponsorship announcements, program material, local news bulletins and community announcements as well as other material used in programs. This is supplemented by a computer network and a purpose-built on-air studio with twin CD players and a mini-disk player. All presenters are well trained to use all the available equipment to produce and broadcast the best quality program they can. Goldfields FM broadcasts a wide range of music and other programs to its listening audience using presenters aged from twelve years to those well into their third age. Live transmission most days begins at 7 am with a breakfast show followed by nostalgic music, country music and band music, and music for the younger generation after 4 pm. Later, in the evenings, young adult music is the go. These programs reflect the results of surveys of the potential listening audience which were collected during the station's formative years. Community Hours are broadcast each weekday afternoon with daily interviews of community members. These focus on community groups and schools in the Central Goldfields. These Community Hours are supplemented by community service announcements throughout the day. The program grid includes a wide range of programs. Some of the other genres and programs covered include blues, folk music, era-based programs such as 60s to 80s, religious shows, computer shows, pet shows, horse shows, local news, local sport and national news and weather.