STA FM 91.9 has received a $20,000 FRRR grant to employ a local news journalist so that the community station can support the Inverell and surrounding communities with daily local news as well as a regular segment on preparedness and resilience to the impacts of drought.

The grant will allow STA FM to record news programs focused on drought preparedness. It will include interviews with service providers such as Landcare, HealthWise, local government, Local Aboriginal Land Council and Local Land Services covering topics such as drought resilience planning and community consultations, climate smart initiatives, access to Rural Assistance Authority and Rural Mental Health initiatives such as HealthWise’s comic relief events. The programs will be broadcast on STA FM and available free online on the STA FM website or via iHeartRadio or the Community Radio Plus app.

The journalist will also assist in preparing local news to be included in weekday bulletins, again promoting information sharing, upcoming events and drought planning initiatives.

STA FM President Joanne Vine (pictured) said:

‘The broadcast area of STA FM has more than 10% of the population who identify as First Nations People. The journalist position will also be responsible for developing news stories which will include stories focused on First Nations people and Closing the Gap initiatives working with representatives from the Local Aboriginal Land Council, organisations supporting the Aboriginal community such as Local Land Services and the active Aboriginal Corporation in the area. Our goal is to build the Community Spirit to ensure segments reflect the diversity and composition of our broadcast footprint and this includes engaging First Nations People and sharing their stories.

A big thank you must also go out to a local Inverell business – “Ladybug Projects” who helped to facilitate this grant for STA FM.’