The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network will next week introduce a “groundbreaking new radio facility” called Streetradio.net, which will help Sydney’s homeless youth. The station will hit the airwaves next week in its first official broadcast.
Streamed live via the internet, Streetradio.net will provide training and opportunities to disconnected and homeless young people, who never dreamed they could broadcast their own programs and be the voice of youth.
Oasis Director, Captain Paul Moulds, says the studio offers an innovative response to youth homelessness and disadvantage, giving young people purpose and direction.
“Streetradio.net gives these young people the chance to become skilled in all aspects of radio, from research and preparation to interviewing and on air presentation. More importantly, it allows them to restore self esteem and confidence, reconnect with the community, and turn their lives around as part of a new journey.
“We have created a website, www.streetradio.net, giving people the means to tune in and find out more information about Streetradio.net and its presenters.
“Oasis Radio has come such a long way since two years ago, when local public broadcaster, Bondi 88 FM, allowed us to run a four hour community program each week. Ten participants researched and developed news, gig information, interviews with Aussie bands and authors, weather, local events, top jobs and quirky items. We quickly found we had listeners around the world, including the US, UK, Spain, Japan, the Philippines and New Zealand!”
Streetradio.net has been made possible by significant funding and other support from the Sony Foundation. A dedicated team of volunteer radio industry people then built state of the art studios at Oasis’ Surry Hills crisis centre, outfitting it with the latest equipment and technology.
There’s also been strong support from the Australian recording industry,” says Moulds.
Managing Director, Sony Australia Ltd TOSHIKAZU MASHIMI and
City of Sydney Commissioner TONY POOLEY will officially open the new facility next Monday, 1 March 2004 at
11.30am in Surry Hills Sydney. Contact Andrew White for more details on 9331 2266.