BENDIGO community broadcaster Phoenix FM has won a national community radio award.
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World Music Safari – Sounds From Other Lands was named the best new music radio program at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Community Radio Awards in Queensland on Saturday.
Phoenix FM was also nominated in the Excellence in Indigenous Engagement category, which was ultimately awarded to Noongar Radio from Western Australia.
The radio station’s secretary, Anne Conway, said the award was a credit to World Music Safari presenter Dawn Delaney.
“Whilst being relatively new to community radio, [Dawn] has a wealth of experience and knowledge behind her gained over many years of travel as a photojournalist abroad,” Ms Conway said.
“This wealth of knowledge is extremely evident in her program and was certainly recognised by the CBAA. Dawn does all her own research and production.
“This is a huge achievement and she deserves it.”
World Music Safari is a two-hour program presented weekly on Sundays from 11am.
“Dawn plays an eclectic mix of music from the global melting pot of cultures,” Ms Conway said.
Phoenix FM president Samual Harrison accepted the accolade on behalf of the radio station, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next January.
Ms Conway said the station had put itself on the map in that time.
“This is our third national award plus we have had several finalist nominations over the years in what is a competitive, elite field, she said.
“Behind every presenter there is a dedicated team which actually keeps Phoenix FM on air.”
CBAA chief executive officer Jon Bisset said the awards were an inspiring showcase of the hard work, dedication and forward-thinking of the sector’s staff and volunteers.
“The calibre of entries in this year’s awards was immensely high,” Mr Bisset said.
“We congratulate all finalists and winners, as well as thanking the 100 judges who assessed them.”
More than 5.3 million people tune in to community broadcasters each week, according to the CBAA.
“Community broadcasting is vital to the diversity, vitality and independence of Australia’s strong democracy, open society and vibrant culture,” Mr Bisset said.