The Cook Government is stepping up to ensure the longevity of one of Perth’s most beloved community institutions, RTRFM, with a $20,000 donation announced during the station’s Radiothon 2024. Premier Roger Cook made the announcement live on air with Breakfast show presenter Pamela Boland, highlighting the government’s ongoing support for local arts and culture.
RTRFM, an independent, not-for-profit community radio station located in Mount Lawley, has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene for 47 years. With a dedicated team of around 400 volunteers, the station broadcasts a diverse range of live radio programmes 24/7, showcasing the best of Western Australian music and voices. This year alone, 20% of the station’s music programming has featured WA acts, with over 8,000 songs by local artists making it onto their playlists since January.
The station’s annual Radiothon, a subscriber drive held every August, plays a crucial role in keeping RTRFM on the air. This year’s theme, ‘Sending Out a Signal,’ calls on both returning and first-time subscribers to contribute to the station’s continued success. The funds raised during Radiothon are vital, covering essential expenses such as licensing fees, presenter training, equipment, and staffing costs, all of which enable RTRFM to maintain its high standard of broadcasting.
In addition to its on-air contributions, RTRFM is well-known for its live music events, including the long-standing In the Pines at Somerville Auditorium and the Fremantle Winter Music Party. These events not only provide a platform for local artists but also foster a sense of community among music lovers in Western Australia.
The $20,000 donation from the Cook Government comes on the heels of a $250,000 grant from Lotterywest in February, which was allocated for new broadcasting studio equipment. These contributions underscore the importance of RTRFM as a cultural hub in Western Australia, providing a unique space for local stories, music, and diverse voices that might not find a platform elsewhere.
Premier Roger Cook, a long-time listener of RTRFM, expressed his admiration for the station, recalling its early days when it was known as 6UVS-FM. “We’re really fortunate in WA to have a community hub like RTRFM running one of Australia’s most respected and popular independent radio stations,” said Cook. He emphasised the station’s role in supporting local artists and the broader community, hoping that the government’s funding boost will help ensure RTRFM’s longevity.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman also shared his appreciation for RTRFM, noting the station’s significant contribution to the Western Australian music scene. “Community radio provides enormous value to Western Australians through storytelling, interviews and music, with more than 105,000 tuning in each week to RTRFM alone,” said Templeman. He pointed to the success stories of bands like Jebediah and Eskimo Joe, who started their careers at RTRFM before rising to fame, as examples of the station’s impact on the local arts scene.
The Cook Government’s support for RTRFM is part of a broader commitment to nurturing the arts and cultural sectors in Western Australia. By investing in institutions like RTRFM, the government is helping to ensure that the state’s creative industries continue to thrive, providing opportunities for artists, storytellers, and musicians to share their work with a wider audience.
This funding injection will not only help RTRFM cover its operational costs but also ensure that it can continue to innovate and expand its offerings. Whether through new programming, additional live events, or enhanced broadcasting capabilities, RTRFM is poised to build on its legacy as a vital part of Perth’s cultural landscape.
For the listeners, volunteers, and artists who make up the RTRFM community, the Cook Government’s donation is a welcome affirmation of the station’s value. As RTRFM continues to send out its signal across Western Australia, it does so with the backing of a government that recognises the importance of community radio in enriching the state’s cultural life.
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