Community radio station, 2MCE, continues its 30th Anniversary celebrations this Saturday 20th May with the ‘2006 Air Raves’ conference to be held at the Centre for Professional Development at Charles Sturt University’s Bathurst campus.
May 2006 marks the 30th anniversary of community radio station 2MCE-FM which was established in 1976 as the first non-metropolitan ‘public’ broadcaster by the then Mitchell College of Advanced Education. Air Raves follows earlier events this month including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the 2MCE studios, and a celebratory dinner for past and present volunteers recognising the 30 year milestone during the month of May.
Air Raves organiser, 2MCE Programming and Production Coordinator Michelle O’Connor says the conference will focus on renewing the meaning of community radio in the 21st century, and the creativity and excitement of making radio: “Air Raves is an opportunity for community radio volunteer presenters and community groups to come together to discuss the value of the medium, and how to maximise the community-building potential of community radio.”
Air Raves featured speaker is The Australian Film, Television and Radio School’s Head of Radio Steve Ahern, who will also conduct workshops. O’Connor says: “Steve Ahern is one of the most knowledgeable people in the business. He’s been a friend of the sector for many years, and few know more about the techniques of radio broadcasting.”
Head of the CSU School of Communication, Associate Professor Tom Watson will open the conference. The event will also feature a “Know Your Community” panel discussion hosted by 30 year 2MCE volunteer Bruce Cameron, which includes Angela Maynard, Bathurst Regional Council Youth Coordinator, Ruth Schmid, Migrant Worker at the Bathurst Information and Neighborhood Centre, Gloria Rogers, Wiradjuri elder, John Trollor, presenter of the ‘Community and Volunteers Hour’ on 2MCE, and Glenray Industries representative, Gwenda Hunter.
Also featured will be a workshop on the Community Broadcasting sector in which the guest presenters will be General Manager of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), Barry Melville, and CBAA Training Manager, Mia Lauzé.