Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

As members of parliament, listening to our electorates would have to be one of the most important tasks we undertake. In my electorate of Spence, one of the ways I can do this is by tuning into 89.7 FM—or PBA-FM, Spence's own community radio station, operating in Salisbury under its station manager, Indi Wood.

PBA-FM provides our local community in the northern suburbs of Adelaide an accessible, creative outlet for those in radio or for those thinking about getting into radio or other like-minded creative outlets. PBA-FM, much like many community radio stations across Australia, is supported by some incredible volunteers. The station provides valuable training and experience for future hosts, DJs and producers. They are just a small part of the close to 18,000 volunteers that help to ensure community broadcasting retains its special place in the local media landscape across many pockets across the country. PBA-FM produces over 70 diverse programs in 16 different languages, offering a vehicle for constructive discussion within our community and abroad.

A strong community radio presence leads to more engaged communities and more connected communities. Community radio provides an invaluable service in Spence and across Australia. I encourage all members to get involved in some of their local stations and discover some of the hidden gems that they produce—for the community and by the local community.

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