Strengthening community radio in South West WA

Community radio in South West WA has long been a pillar of local storytelling, connection, and emergency broadcasting. Stations in the region are powered by dedicated boards and volunteers but face familiar challenges: aging infrastructure, digital gaps, complex governance, and volunteer burnout.

When the CBAA team visited the region, it became clear that stations were often reactive, with limited capacity for future safeguarding through succession planning, tech audits, or strategy. Technical failures caused periods off-air, compliance processes were overwhelming, and digital engagement lagged. 

Rather than offering quick fixes, we took a holistic approach. A key issue was technical support: stations relied on the same freelance technician, but costs and availability were barriers. Recognising the need, we worked to formalise this into a shared, funded role. With support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF), the WA Stations Tech Support Project was launched. Initially addressing urgent breakdowns, it grew to tackle broader issues of governance and digital transformation, while fostering collaboration between stations.

The results were tangible. Denmark FM and Donnybrook adopted a shared fault-logging system, reducing downtime. Collie replaced failing equipment. Margaret River secured a new broadcast licence, and Harvey began transmission upgrades. For the first time, stations had structured, ongoing technical assistance.

Digital transformation followed. Bunbury and Harvey joined the CBAA Radio Website Initiative, while streaming services were rolled out across eight stations, extending their reach beyond FM signals. Modern websites and streaming boosted audience engagement and opened funding opportunities.

CBAA also guided stations through licensing, insurance reviews, and charity status applications. Donnybrook and Denmark received support on insurance; Collie and Augusta linked with the Community Media Training Organisation (CMTO) for volunteer training. Conversations in Donnybrook on emergency preparedness even sparked collaboration between CBAA and ABC Radio to strengthen disaster response strategies.

Perhaps the most significant change has been cultural. Stations now engage more with each other and the CBAA, attending meetups, sharing strategies, and seeking proactive support. What began as a regional intervention is inspiring replication in other areas, such as the Northern Rivers, where stations are exploring their own collaborative tech hub.

This shift marks a long-term strategy for resilience. Stations in South West WA are no longer working in isolation but as part of a connected network — stronger together, and better equipped to serve their communities into the future.

With support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF), the WA Stations Tech Support Project was launched. Initially addressing urgent breakdowns, it grew to tackle broader issues of governance and digital transformation, while fostering collaboration between stations.

Powerd Media: changing the narrative on disability

Powerd Media, developed by Disability Media Australia (DMA) with the support of the CBAA, is reshaping how Australians understand disability. Rather than stories being told about people with disability, Powerd ensures they are created by and for people with disability. One of its emerging voices, journalist Emma Myers, is producing powerful news and stories that reflect lived experience, building authenticity and trust in disability representation. 

Powerd is part of a long-term strategy to embed disability-led content into the fabric of community broadcasting. With support from the CBAA and partners such as the Radio Reading Network, Powerd stories are now integrating into the sector’s national distribution channels, including the Community Radio Network and digital platforms. This integration is extending the reach of disability-led stories into every corner of Australia. 

One such example is ReFramed, a bold and original TV and digital series that explores how disability is represented in film and television. Hosted by Jason Clymo alongside co-host Steph Dower, the series combines humour, sharp analysis, and lived experience to examine everything from Australian drama series to global cultural phenomena like Game of Thrones.

Powerd Media produced two full seasons of ReFramed, which went to air on Channel 31 and reached wide audiences online. It has just been nominated this year for an Antenna Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community by a Program.

By employing and training disabled creatives to be at the centre of production, ReFramed offers new perspectives beyond narrow and stereotypical portrayals. It critiques harmful tropes and celebrates authentic representation. ReFramed also demonstrates that disability-led content can attract strong audiences across podcasting, television and social media, proving there's demand for change in the industry.

• Over 500,000 streams on social media, sparking vibrant online discussions.
• Employed over 40 people with disability across production roles, guest appearances, creative consultation creating new career opportunities.
• Featured a diverse range of disabled voices, from emerging advocates and artists to high-profile disability leaders.
• Opened much-needed conversations about when disability representation gets it right - and when it gets it wrong.

Zoe Simmons, an award-winning journalist, speaker, author, fierce disability advocate and guest on episode 9, said of her ReFramed experience:

“As much as it scares me, I'm SO grateful for the opportunity to advocate to a wider platform of people, and to have opportunities to grow my own platform so I can create more change. Stories can change the world, no matter their format: and it's truly an honour to be a part of that.”

Powerd Media demonstrates how collaboration across the CBAA Group can drive sustainable change. By creating space for people with disability to tell their own stories, Powerd is building inclusion, shifting perceptions, and strengthening Australia’s media landscape. As DMA and the CBAA expand Powerd’s reach, the sector is investing in a stronger future for disability representation.