Curtin FM has secured a Lotterywest grant of $712,871, the most significant single grant awarded to the station in its 36-year history.
Curtin FM, Western Australia’s largest community radio station based at Curtin University’s Bentley Campus, is a not-for-profit enterprise completely self-funded from community support and corporate sponsorship.
The Hon Peter Collier, Minister for Education; Energy and Indigenous Affairs presented the grant award yesterday to Curtin FM.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket was pleased to accept the grant on behalf of Curtin FM.
“The Lotterywest grant recognises the important role Curtin FM performs at Curtin University and the high regard it is held in by its listeners and the community,” Professor Hacket said.
“Curtin FM is a leading community radio station which could not operate without the 12 dedicated staff members and the team of 80 professionally trained volunteers who broadcast to an audience of around 200,000 listeners seven days a week.
“Curtin FM is also widely acclaimed for its training program for students from the University’s School of Journalism, many of who go on to work in broadcasting across Australia.”
The grant will be used for major capital, technical and infrastructure upgrades that would not have been possible without additional funding.
“The essential upgrades, which include replacing all aging equipment such as audio equipment that predates the station’s upgrade to the FM band 10 years ago, transmitters, studio, control room and producer’s equipment, have been made possible through the grant,” Professor Hacket said.
Curtin FM will also purchase an outside broadcast van which will allow the station to operate out in the community. The grant will also be used to produce content for a digital service.
Mr John Atkins, Lotterywest Chairman, highlighted the important role Lotterywest plays in building a better Western Australia.
“WA is the only State where the money raised from Lottery products is distributed directly back to the community to support a range of good causes such as the Curtin FM upgrades,” he said.
“These upgrades will support the efforts of the volunteers and staff at the station, producing a diverse range of shows for a wide community listenership, including its highly regarded news and current affairs program.”
Curtin FM broadcasts on the 100.1FM frequency.
Contact:
April Kleer, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 3353,
Mobile: 0401 103 018,
Email: april.kleer@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
Twitter: @CurtinPR
