Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week, Hills Radio signed off as a community radio broadcaster after seven years of service to the Adelaide Hills. Their closure on 30 November was a day of great sadness for the 70 volunteers, who produced over 47 programs each week, and to all of us who listened. I would like to say thank you to the volunteers. I know you left no stone unturned to secure a second licence for the region. I know this because I've been advocating on behalf of Hills Radio since I was first elected, when they had a temporary licence. I supported their bid for a second licence when ACMA allocated the community broadcasting licence to Lofty radio in September 2020. Lofty radio is a wonderful community broadcaster too, and I also go on that station, but we can have two in our region. You only have to look at Victor Harbor to see an example of two community broadcasters, Happy FM and Fleurieu FM, who operate successfully in the same location. These are arguments I raised with the minister and with ACMA on many occasions, in meetings and in letters. ACMA have been definitive in refusing Hills Radio's request. Looking forward, it's my hope that the talent at Hills Radio is not wasted and those volunteers can find a new outlet in community broadcasting in our community. It really is a great, great shame and loss.