Millicent resident Emma Clay recently fulfilled a long-held ambition when she got behind the microphone at a radio station.

After a period of intense training, Emma went on the air at dawn on Saturday from the Railway Terrace studios of Millicent community radio station 5THE FM.

Her gig went smoothly and that will become her regular timeslot.

“I have zero background or experience in radio, but it is something that I have always wanted to have a go at,” Emma said.

“I love music and I have grown up listening to Triple J and local community radio.

“I have always thought that being a radio presenter would be the best job ever, so I’m so excited to be able to have this opportunity and learn how it all actually works behind the scenes.”

Emma did not hesitate when asked to nominate her favourite music period.

“I am a teenager of the 90s, and controversially believe that this was the best decade of music and followed closely by the 70s!

“So, my regular show will be focused on the 90s.

“I love punk rock, grunge and some of the alternative music of that era, but there was also some sensational pop and dance in the 90’s too – so nothing will be off limits.”

Emma and her family moved to Millicent from the Northern Territory a few years ago when she secured the senior role of Development Services Director at Wattle Range Council.

Her day job keeps her busy along with some community responsibilities.

“I’m really proud to be associated with Millicent Shares a Plate,” she said.

“There are now five teams of amazing, local volunteers who are consistently cooking around 60 meals for those in need each Thursday.

“I am also the team manager for the Millicent Saints Women’s Football Team and have kids involved in other sports in the region too!”

5THE FM management committee chairman David Walshaw has welcomed Emma to the team of 12 volunteers and 120 members.

“Emma is our fifth trained announcer being supported by approximately six other more experienced presenters and a few others are going through the training process,” he said.

“In all, we have activity at the station premises every day of the week but we still have a few on-air slots to be filled.

“We have been tidying up the building and grounds and sold the old shipping container which was a bit of an eyesore.

“Electrician Dennis Muhovics from Lonergan and Muhovics has been very supportive in undertaking a significant range of electrical upgrades to the site at no cost to the station.

“This is a great example of community support for what we are trying to achieve in getting our transmitter operational again.

“It has now been a few weeks since our application for a temporary licence was submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

“We are all keen to get back to broadcasting on the 107.7 FM band.

“Live-streaming has proven so popular with dozens of people in overseas countries that we will be continuing it.”