An unforeseen $18,000 debt dating back to 2021 has been revealed by Millicent community radio station 5THE-FM.
This is the amount owed to the private company which operates the Mount Burr transmitter site used by the station.
Management committee chairman David Walshaw said the debt was left by the previous management along with many other outstanding bills.
The station has already had a number of other debts forgiven and these have chiefly been with government agencies.
Mr Walshaw said the new board of management and station volunteers have been working hard to get the station back on the air and transmitting from the Mount Burr transmitter site.
“The success of this action will increase our reach across the Wattle Range Council area, keep our listeners better informed of community news, and allow all sectors of our community to experience an on-air presence,” Mr Walshaw said.
“It will also allow us to seek station sponsors which will offset the station’s operating costs.
“We have applied to the Australian Communications and Media Authority for a temporary community broadcast licence and hope to hear back from them over the next week or so.
“In the meantime, before we can get back on air, we have to retire that debt of $18,000 to the private operator of the Mount Burr transmitter.
“Community Radio is the lifeblood of rural communities and we are reaching out to our community for support to help us pay off the current debt.
“Any donations to the station to assist retiring this debt would be greatly appreciated as it will allow us to get back on air far quicker than we could without it.
“Donations can be dropped into the station or paid directly into our bank account, please contact the station.”
Mr Walshaw has already given a number of presentations to local community groups over the past six months that he has occupied the chairperson’s seat.
He is willing to do more and may be contacted via station secretary Megan Brennan.
“Any financial support, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated,” he said.
