A unique radio station often draws the attention of travellers making their way through the Burdekin.
It’s the sweet sounds of Sweet FM, broadcasting from the prestigious old Home Hill courthouse, a building that, similarly, will catch the eye of passersby.
Established in 1999 by the Burdekin Development Council, a sub-committee of the Burdekin Shire Council, and spearheaded by then mayor Beth Honeycombe, Sweet FM has become a trusted radio source, providing region-specific information, advertising, and news to its listeners.
An application was lodged with the Australian Communications and Media Authority for a community radio license however it was declined before the group was issued with a narrowcast license in 1999.
Originally set up in a room at the council chambers, the station soon moving into the old Home Hill Courthouse at the start of 2000 after it was decommissioned in 1990.
Today, the radio station will share information about emergencies, funeral notices after 8:00am on weekdays, as well as a non-denominational religious show from 7:30am Sunday mornings.
Due to its narrowcast license, the array of music heard on Sweet FM is also seldom heard on other stations.
Now with 15-20 volunteers, Station Manager Charlie Scuderi said the station is always looking for new presenters.
“Everyone’s a volunteer, we rely on volunteers to do the live shifts,” he said.
“For some people, it’s brought them out of their shells, for some people, it gets them out of the house, it’s given them another interest, they’ve learnt skills with computers, and they’ve learnt a lot about music.
“Some like to share their knowledge in music, for some it’s just a pure interest in music – very few are here for the glory.”
One role Mr Scuderi is particularly looking to fill is that of salesperson, as Sweet FM is funded entirely through advertising.
The radio station is celebrating 25 years next year, with celebrations planned for September 29, 2024.
For more information on the station, volunteer positions and advertising, visit admin@sweetfm.com.au.
Sweet FM Station Manager Charlie Scuderi. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
