THE OneMob Radio Going Walkabout project will provide opportunities for more young people in regional NSW to build audio broadcasting skills, made possible by a $25,000 grant through the State Government’s Regional Youth Radio Program.

“This program will both promote work-readiness skills for regional youth and develop a greater sense of connection and belonging within their communities,” said Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

OneMon Media Aboriginal Corp CEO Lachlan Skinner said the funding would allow the station to extend their impact outside of Coffs Harbour.

“It is amazing to receive this funding to see OneMob Radio branch out and visit communities near and far,” Mr Skinner told News Of The Area.

“Since launching OneMob Radio we have been contacted on a number of occasions to visit communities, run workshops and our OneMob BIG Breakfast live events.

“However, due to funding we haven’t been able to commit to these ventures but thanks to this grant we are now able to offer five communities the opportunity to host OneMob Radio in their communities for free.

“This will include an introductory workshop and OneMob BIG Breakfast,” said Lachlan.

“Whilst this will be a fantastic opportunity for regional and rural young people to be introduced to podcasting and radio broadcasting this is also a fantastic way for OneMob Radio to expand their horizons and hopefully see pop-up radio shows from these communities we look to work with.

“In addition to that, we hope to see a growing audience for OneMob Radio’s social media and listenership.”

Lachlan credits the development of this project to the hard work of the team of current broadcasters, staff and Board of Directors.

“I am forever thankful for their contributions to the radio station and the role they play to the forever-growing OneMob Radio,” he said.

OneMob Radio announcer and mentor Jenna Haley told NOTA, “The time on OneMob Radio for me has been so fun.

“Learning about what is involved in talking on radio and bringing a show to the people has been mind-blowing but also easier than I thought.

“I want to thank OneMob Radio for the opportunity to share my voice on this platform.

“This funding is extremely exciting for us as it is an opportunity for more young people in other communities to have a go at radio and potentially broadcast from their town onto OneMob Radio,” she said.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said eleven projects across the State were selected from a strong field of applications to develop the skills or training of young people in audio broadcasting, or to fund essential equipment to support youth radio and podcasting.

“The Regional Youth Radio Program is one of our most exciting programs as it gives young people living in the regions a platform to talk about the issues that are important to them on the public stage,” Ben Franklin said.

“The projects chosen to be delivered in 2023 will give young people the skills to create radio and podcasts, but also encourage them to develop their communication and work-readiness skills and participate in public discourse.”

By Andrea FERRARI