Federal and state regulators are continuing to probe the multiple complaints lodged about the management and governance of Millicent community radio station 5THE FM.

They have been in contact with one of the complainants David Walshaw who is a spokesman for a community group seeking to change the direction of the not-for-profit broadcaster.

Mr Walshaw said the complaints to the authorities were valid as all attempts by his group to contact the station management have now been exhausted.

“Station management have declined to have former Wattle Range Mayor and ex 5THE FM board chairman Mark Braes as a mediator,” Mr Walshaw said.

“The radio station board and management are now not responding to our communications through their Naracoorte lawyer.

“Of late, there has been little or any live broadcasting from the 5THE FM studios on Railway Terrace while there have been no posts on the station’s social media account for a few weeks.

“The licence extension for 5THE FM has only 11 weeks to run and our group is concerned it might be cancelled.”

Mr Walshaw said a compliance officer with the Australian Communications and Media Authority community broadcasting and safeguards section was handling his complaint.

Furthermore, Mr Walshaw said the State Government’s Consumer and Business Services Department was making inquiries into the community radio station’s compliance with its rules under its constitution and the Association Incorporations Act.

According to Mr Walshaw, the departmental officers will probe his complaints about compliance with annual general meeting requirements and the handling of 60 station membership applications from his community group.

The SE Voice has approached 5THE FM for comment.