New radio station for Douglas community

Committee of well-known locals

Paul Makin

Journalist

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The Community station should be on the air by the end of the year IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

The Douglas Shire is to have a community radio station and it’s been more than two years in the making.

To be known as Douglas FM, with the frequency 101.5, it’s been the result of efforts by a hard-working committee made up of well-known locals.

The licence has been issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the station is expected to be based in Port Douglas.

The Douglas FM Committee (From left to right) Jenni Sorensen, Kerrie Jamieson, Kym Rowley, Paul White and Gary White IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

Committee with vast experience

The radio station committee is made up of Kym Rowley (President) Damian Meadows (Vice-President), Paul White (Committee member), Kerrie Jamieson (Secretary), Jenni Sorensen (Treasurer) and Gary White (Committee member).

Both Kerrie Jamieson and Gary White have been involved in the setting up of a community radio station in Tamworth (NSW) and Ceduna (SA) respectively. Ms Jamieson was the former manager of the Mirage Country Club and Marina Mirage (now Crystalbrook Marina) while Gary White is a retired builder. Kym Rowley, now retired, was the Manager of the Tin Shed in Port Douglas (Douglas Community and Sports Club), Policeman Damian Meadows is currently the Sgt in charge of Port Douglas. Paul White along with his wife Annie have operated a very successful auto repair business in Craiglie for many years. Jenni Sorensen is well known for heading up The Salsa Sorensen Association which is aimed at fundraising throughout the year on behalf of smaller charities and groups. The Association’s annual golf day at Palmer Sea Reef is now iconic. Ms Sorensen is also Secretary of the Laura Race Club.

Committee member comments

Kym Rowley (President)
We’re hoping to be on air before the end of the year and I’m very excited to know that we’ll be able to broadcast local information, for example if the High School is having a show or Sporting Clubs are wanting to promote an event. We want the radio station will be totally inclusive and need the community to embrace Douglas FM going forward. We’ll need station sponsors and benefactors to support us as we go forward to keep it on the air. A big thank you to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for their help in making this a reality and recognising a community station is needed in our area.

Jenni Sorensen (Treasurer)
I'm absolutely delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative for our community, it is long overdue and will fill a gap in our media outlets with the demise of the Gazette. Newsport do a great job with their professional online newspaper giving the Douglas Shire easy access to news and events and it’s hoped Douglas FM will work hand in hand with them to reach those who like listening to the radio in their cars and homes. It’s hoped the station will also entertain listeners along the way.

Sgt Damian Meadows (Vice President)
It's essential that the Douglas region has access to radio that reflects the ideals and expectations of our local community. I believe that community radio is a very efficient and effective way to maintain open and transparent dialogue within our region, this is a very positive opportunity for Douglas

Paul White (Committee member)
We are looking forward to hearing from local sporting groups, schools, student representatives, members of our community in aged care and the shires indigenous community. We’ll need volunteer announcers, and the station will provide a wonderful platform for up-and-coming radio presenters to learn the necessary skills required to enter the world of radio.

Gary White (Committee member)
The Douglas Shire needs a community radio station and Douglas FM will be a perfect fit for this region and hopefully Governments, corporates and locals together can help raise the necessary funding for this to flourish, now and into the future.

Kerrie Jamieson (Secretary)
The radio station will certainly disseminate information for the more senior in our community who aren't computer literate. It will fill another role in getting news, information, and items of interest out especially to those who like listening to the radio. I look forward to the community wholeheartedly supporting this new venture.

Committee Member Sgt Damian Meadows currently on leave and overseas IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
Community radio will be a perfect fit for this region says committee member Gary White IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

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