The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia says holidays are “a great time to get back in touch with your local community via community radio stations”.

“Tune into to your local suburban radio station. Or, if you live in a capitals city, why not listen to one of the many metro-wide broadcasters which cater now cater for youth culture, indigenous, religious and ethnic groups, people with print disabilities, and of course,different music styles.” says the CBAA.

New research this year conducted by McNair Ingenuity revealed more than 2.5 million rural and regional Australians, 46% of people aged over 15, listen to community radio. Of that number, more than 1.4 million tune in each week and 339,000 listen exclusively to community radio.

Summer is also when many community radio stations are at their busiest, not only keeping you informed of happenings like music festivals and concerts, but they host or broadcast live from many annual summer community events.

For example:

· Twin Cities 89.7FM: the Wanneroo Show Joondalup Night Markets and the Joondalup Festival until late March.

· Paradise FM 101.9FM: hosting “Jukebox Saturday Night” at the Ballina Bowling and Recreation Club- 8th January.

· Plenty Valley FM 88.6FM: covering the Shire of Whittlesea Community Festival 3rd weekend in March and Country Music Festival Awards- 11th February.

· 2SSR 99.7FM: celebrates it’s 20th year by holding a Variety Concert at Sutherland Entertainment Centre- Sun 13th Feb 2005 at 2pm.

· Koori Radio 93.7FM: Yabun Indigenous Concert Redfern Park-26th January.

· SYN FM 90.7FM: will present ‘SYN on the Beach’ during January and February. The programming will be presented every Wednesday from 9am – 5pm from different suburban beaches and swimming pools.

For details of station frequencies and activities search the “Stations” section of the CBAA website (click below)