Bundaberg radio station Hitz 93.9’s Facebook flood information page, called Bundy Floods 2010 has received over 3 million views in just under one month. The page was set up so that residents could share photos and stories about the flood, but quickly became a vital point of contact for isolated residents and their friends abroad.
Hitz staff posted the same information that was broadcast on air, including flood warnings, river heights, road closures and council emergency messages.
“We’ve had users from all over Australia and the world, with people as far as the UK, US and Germany keeping an eye on residents and friends back home,” Bundaberg Broadcasters’ new General Manager Dave Stretton told radioinfo.
“A lot of users outside Bundaberg were comforted by the fact that they could get up to date information on what was happening with people they knew in the area, while locals could follow on their computers or iPhones”.
Close to 9,500 people currently ‘like’ the page, and are sharing well over 1,100 photos from before, during and after the three flood peaks which have hit the town in as many weeks. It will remain operational for the rest of the wet season. The page also followed the flood situation in Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Emerald and Goondiwindi.
And in Port Macquarie, Star FM also did its bit for flood relief with a Flood Relief Concert that harnessed local support through the radio station.
Star FM Port Macquarie’s Joshua Withers has told radioinfo: “Nine days ago Stacey and Myself, with input from our listeners on the phone and on Facebook, decided to host a Qld Floods Relief concert. We pulled together 6 bands (plus offers from three Australian Idols, NA2R winners The Smart and three other up and coming Sony artists but we couldn’t fly them here so we had to decline) and got the venue, sound, lighting etc donated. The NAB offered their staff and banking services to take the funds and donate them.”
A couple of hundred people filled the Port Macquarie Panthers auditorium on the night, with many volunteers from Panthers, the NAB & the Southern Cross Media staff. The final amount raised was $3283.40
Photos at http://facebook.com/starfmmidnorthcoast
And in Sydney, Triple M’s big Legends footy match was held to raise funds for flood victims this week. We will bring you all the news on that big event when we receive wrap up information from Triple M.