2TLP, the community station in flood affected Taree, has struggled with patchy reception due to power outages but Station Manager Miranda Saunders (pictured after being presented with the First Nations Outstanding Contributor Award at CONVERGE 2024) has continued to broadcast from home as well as providing information to outlets like The Guardian and news.com.au.

Miranda told The Guardian:

“A National disaster should have been declared on Tuesday. Our first responders do an incredible job, but they are overwhelmed. The community is strong but the government must do better.”

Also broadcasting from home were Paul and Rachel Burns (Paul pictured above) from 2NVR 105.9FM in Tewinga and broadcasting across the Nambucca Valley. 

In nearby Bellingen at 2 Triple B FM, Kristen Colliers and the volunteer crew have been doing round the hour emergency, weather and traffic updates, speaking to community representatives including Mayor Steve Allan. Pictured below is evenings presenter Pete ‘Bufo’ Hansen in the studio, also celebrating Sydney band Front End Loader.

Great Lakes FM 101.5FM sent a shout out to Pete from down the also very wet road in Tuncurry. They’ve been broadcasting from 6am to 10pm with updates on conditions. Pictured below is Andy, Great Lakes FM’s Brekky guy, station manager and a very happy Spurs fan.

The CBAA said of the local stations’ contributions:

“While the number one priority for staff and volunteers should be their and their loved ones’ safety it’s also good to see community broadcasters dedicating their time and effort to emergency broadcasting.”