Community Broadcasting Association of Australia VP Melanie Withnall is stepping down from the role following her June appointment as Manager of ABC Radio Sydney. 

Board President Phillip Randall shared the below on behalf of the rest of the board, CEO Jon Bisset and staff at the CBAA:

“It is with mixed feelings that I farewell Melanie. I’m saddened that she’ll no longer be around the CBAA’s board table with us, but I’m even more grateful for her contributions over the last seven years.

“As an ordinary board member, Finance Director and Vice President, Melanie has significantly contributed to the direction of the sector in a range of areas including governance, inclusion and diversity.  Her passion for local content has informed the CBAA’s debate around news, current affairs, digital radio and content distribution platforms.

“I know she will bring the same tenacity and expertise to her new role and wish her all the very best.

“And finally, given she has had a love affair with community broadcasting that’s spanned over two decades already, I also can’t help but think that this isn’t really a goodbye and that we’ll still be seeing her around our sector.”

The CBAA Board has appointed Anne Frankenberg as Vice President in light of Melanie’s departure. Anne has been on the board since 2016 and has over 15 years board experience as well as an extensive not-for-profit management career with Victorian Opera, International Women’s Development Agency, and 3MBS, Melbourne’s fine music community station. She is currently Deputy General Manager of the Australian National Academy of Music.

The Board is also inviting applications to fill a casual vacancy with a new Director to complement the skills and experience of current Directors. 

Head here for full details of the role and to download the CBAA Board Kit.