Bucketts Radio - Still Here!

Here is an update on happenings at Bucketts Radio for the first half of a very tumultuous 2020.

Early in the year it was decided by the committee that, due to severe financial constraints, we would be unable to maintain operations beyond May and an announcement was made to that effect. This generated an element of concern from locals and through the advocacy of these supporters we were able to benefit from an ‘Emergency/Survival’ grant through the NSW Government, which has allowed us to remain broadcasting for the foreseeable future.

Our attention now turns to the determination of a major grant application that has been ongoing for some years, to establish a new “Transmission Antenna” which will enable far greater coverage around the area. Our future now depends on the success of this grant application and the establishment of the new tower.

Needless to say, the continued support of our existing members is paramount, with a reminder that membership renewals are due for year 20/21. Also, extra volunteers are needed to fill announcer slots left vacant by recent departures.

How about the idea of having your own radio show, where you can express yourself and display your creativity with your own selection of music? It is very easy and full training is given in Programming and Studio Operations. Or perhaps you have untapped potential in other fields, such as IT, Administration, or HR Management.

In that vein, we look forward to an upcoming contribution from students at Gloucester High School to provide a community news program, to start soon.

Bucketts Radio to continue until Sunday 31st May 2020

Since announcing that Bucketts Radio will cease broadcasting on Friday 17 April 2020, our listeners have let us know of their sadness that we are closing down operations, some even offering to help fundraise.

As a result of this encouragement, the management committee of Gloucester Broadcasters Association Inc has been in contact with our state and federal members of parliament to ask for their support. The politicians have expressed their support of this local community radio station to stay on-air and have supported the Association's application for state and federal funding.

While these funding applications are in process, Bucketts Radio will remain on-air at least until the end of the current broadcast licence, which is Sunday 31st May 2020. If funding is forthcoming and a new broadcast licence is obtained, Bucketts Radio will continue to broadcast for at least another year, and for much longer if funding for the new broadcast antenna is forthcoming.

Shayne Holstein, Gloucester Broadcasters Association President, says, "We will attempt to remain operational as long as possible. We thank all those listeners who have expressed their wishes for us to stay on-air. However, we currently have expenses that we cannot pay unless we receive funds immediately. Because we are staying on-air, we can no longer sell our main assets to pay our bills." Mr Holstein goes on to say, "With the current lockdown conditions, we have not been able to have our garage sale to sell off things like t-shirts, USB sticks and CDs, and because we have no new business sponsorships due to the closure announcement, we have no income coming in at the moment."

Bucketts Radio is therefore asking listeners and supporters to help in the current situation by renewing their membership a little early this year. Membership is only $20 for the next financial year and is usually due on 1 July 2020. Short-term business sponsorships are also currently available with 30 second on-air spots available up to 31 May 2020. A special 1 month sponsorship is available for just $100 for 6 spots per day.

Please contact us at support@buckettsradio.com.au or phone Grahame Holstein on 0438 136 370 to find out how to send your support.
Membership Forms are available here for new members. Membership can be paid to the association's account at Regional Australia Bank (click for details). Please remember to put your name as a reference so we can record your membership.

Goodbye, Farewell and Amen

It is with much regret that Bucketts Radio will cease broadcasting on Friday 17 April 2020 at 8pm.  Bucketts Radio has been broadcasting in Gloucester, on the frequency 104.1FM, for the past 11 years.  A Temporary Community Broadcast Licence has been applied for with the regulatory authority, ACMA, every year, for a new 12 month licence.  There will not be a further application sent for a subsequent licence.

The main reason for the closure is because of increasing costs of running the radio station and a downturn in income.  

The Gloucester Broadcasters Association Inc. Management Committee feel that closing at this time is the right decision at this time.  The association will remain entity for the time being, with a view to resuming a broadcast when conditions are more favourable.

Shayne Holstein, president of the association says:  "We understand the community and local businesses have been under a lot of strain and stress with the dought, bushfires and now the COVID-19 virus, and this has made it difficult for us to gain the financial support we need to keep up with running cost increases."

Bucketts Radio management and volunteers would like to thank all our listeners, supporters and volunteers who've helped us to stay on-air for 11 years.

Stay tuned until 17 April 2020 and look out for community radio to return to Gloucester again soon.

National Radio News - Suspended

As of 1 March 2020, National Radio News will not be broadcast on Bucketts Radio for the time being, due to rising costs.  This decision is regretable, but necessary, in these current financial times.  We hope our listeners will continue to enjoy all our other programming, and our announcers will still bring you local news items during their program as usual.  We thank our listeners for their understanding and support of this community radio station.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

All the volunteers at Bucketts Radio would like to wish our listeners a safe and happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Bucketts Radio Celebrates 10 years

Bucketts Radio is Gloucester’s community radio station and is celebrating 10 years of continuous broadcasting. 

In 2005, a small but dedicated group of radio enthusiasts banded together and started a bid to gain a Community Broadcast licence for Gloucester.  It took a few years but finally on 1st June 2009 Gloucester Broadcasters Association Inc began broadcasting on 104.1FM on a temporary licence.  Volunteers wrangled together some bits and pieces of broadcast equipment and began broadcasting from studios in Gloucester's Majestic Arcade building. Now, as of 1st June 2019, Bucketts Radio have gained their 11^th consecutive yearly broadcast licence.  Still broadcasting from the Majestic Arcade and with 16 current volunteers, Bucketts Radio have continued to renew and improve equipment as finances allow.  Over the years approximately 100 volunteers have participated at Bucketts Radio.

"We are truly community, because we are run by locals and supported entirely by the community."  says President of Bucketts Radio, Shayne Holstein.  For the past ten years Bucketts Radio has been broadcasting on the frequency 104.1FM providing entertainment, information, work experience and volunteering opportunities, as well as providing very affordable sponsorship advertising opportunities for local business and community groups.  "It also helps to promote our beautiful town with visitors." says Shayne.

In order for Bucketts Radio to continue broadcasting it needs the support of the community in a number of ways.  Bucketts Radio is seeking listeners, whether by FM radio or on the internet via the website www.buckettsradio.com.au.  The website also has a programme guide with information about each program that goes to air.  Support in the form of membership and donations is also necessary for the continuation of the broadcast.  For those more adventurous, Bucketts Radio is seeking those who can offer their time and skills in the way of volunteering in a number of capacities, or through business sponsorship, which starts at a low $5 per week.

Bucketts Radio has a number of voluntary positions available, which give people the opportunity to serve the community of Gloucester.  "Some of the benefits of volunteering is that you get to meet people, gain new skills or work experience, it looks good on your resume, it’s fun, you get to share your skills with and help others, you work as part of a team and listen to the music you love."  says Mr Holstein.

To celebrate 10 years, Bucketts Radio is holding an Aussie BBQ in Billabong Park for it's supporters on Saturday 22nd June, from 12midday.