When the pandemic took hold last year, Paradise FM felt the impacts like any other community organisation. “In the beginning because of the sudden onset of the pandemic restrictions, a lot of sponsorship went on hold and there was a fairly significant financial impact. Thankfully we qualified for the first round of the Government’s business support packages,” says Jenny. “But we didn’t qualify for the second round, which is actually great for us.” As businesses reopened following that first lockdown, sponsors were keen to come back on board and, if anything, local businesses were even more supportive of their local station. “I think local businesses recognise what we do as a not-for-profit organisation, and that by supporting us they’re supporting the whole community,” says Jenny. “Membership is also important for us. We have actually gained a lot of new members since Covid with so many people now working from home. We’ve even had new interstate members who stream our service online.” If the past two years have taught organisations across the globe anything it’s that constantly adapting is crucial. Paradise FM has, and is, responding to the changing times to continue delivering quality radio.
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2022 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
Do you know someone who makes a significant contribution to the Ballina Shire through their involvement in community based activities, sport or the arts? Now is the time to starting thinking about nominations for the 2022 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards. 1. YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (30 YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER) A young resident who has made a significant contribution to the Ballina Shire.
2. SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (60 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER) A senior resident who has made a significant contribution to the Ballina Shire.
3. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR An individual who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support an organisation’s activities.
4. SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD A team or individual who has excelled and represented their chosen sport at a local, regional, state, national or international level. Nominations can also be sports administrators and coaches who have made a significant contribution to sport.
5. ARTS AND CULTURE AWARD An individual who has made a significant contribution to the creative arts.
The station has invested in the technology needed for the production team to work from home. Although this option has been critical during lockdown, it has the added benefit of giving the team greater flexibility to respond quickly if urgent news arises out of hours or there’s a technical glitch. It also provides the station a simple portable system to increase its live presence out in the community.
6. COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR
Looking to the future, Paradise FM plans to invest in further upgrades. The station has been awarded a $20,000 grant through the Community Broadcasting Foundation which will be used to benchmark existing technology, make improvements and upgrades as necessary, refresh the station’s website, and invest in an auto start generator for the transmission site that will ensure continuation of broadcast should power outages occur.
The Citizen of the Year Award will be selected by the Australia Day Committee from all of the nominees across the seven categories.
Whether in lockdown or not, through good times and bad, one thing is certain: Paradise FM will be there – a friendly, reassuring and reliable voice and companion to listeners. Find out more about our worthy Australia Day nominees at ballina.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay
An individual or group who has hosted an outstanding community event in Ballina Shire.
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Nom for the inations 202 Shire A 2 Ballina u Day Aw stralia close M ards Novem onday 15 ber 20 21.
Nominatieonnsow open!
7. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD An individual or group contributing to our environmental preservation or advancing environmental awareness.
To nominate visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ australiaday, or telephone Tracy Lister, Coordinator Communications, on 1300 864 444.
Nominations close: Monday 15 November 2021.
SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE 44
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