The ACMA has recently released a report which sheds light on LPON ‘use it or lose it’ conditions following recent interpretations and decisions by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The AAT’s decisions provides insights into the concepts of ‘commencement of service’,’reasonable regularity’ and ‘record keeping’ in the context of the UIOLI conditions. ANRA is continuing to advocate for change with respect to UIOLI but, in the meantime, we encourage all members to carefully read the ACMA report and to familiarise themselves with ACMA requiremnets for LPON operators.
CBAA Proud to Support the National Strategy for Volunteering
CBAA is thrilled to announce our official commitment as a supporter of the National Strategy for Volunteering. By aligning ourselves with this important initiative, we are dedicated to advancing the National Strategy’s vision and strategic objectives. We recognise the immense value of volunteering in Australia, driving positive social impact, and creating a more cohesive society.
We encourage you to join us as official supporters of the National Strategy for Volunteering. Together, we can amplify our collective impact and create lasting change in communities nationwide. Visit the Coalition of Support webpage https://volunteeringstrategy.org.au/supporters/ to pledge your support and become part of this transformative movement.
POSITION: Finance Administrator, SYN, Melbourne VIC
ABOUT SYN
SYN is Victoria’s youth community radio station. We provide opportunities for young Australians to broadcast their views on issues and ideas that matter to them. SYN’s staff support and develop the strength of our volunteer base who are the creators and owners of all content across our various platforms. All volunteers are under the age of 26.
Find out more about SYN here: https://www.syn.org.au/about-us
SYN FM (90.7 FM & DAB+ digital radio)
SYN operates a full-time community broadcasting licence and can be heard throughout Melbourne and Geelong on 90.7 FM and on DAB+. Our broadcast also streams live on our website, and on the Community Radio Plus app.
1. JOB SPECIFICATION
Primary Focus
The Finance Administrator is responsible for day-to-day bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Including payroll, coordinating contracts and paperwork, banking, and ensuring compliance with relevant statutory requirements and obligations.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing account payables/receivables
- Processing banking transactions and regular bank reconciliation
- Processing payroll, SGC and PAYG
- Working with external accountant to ensure ATO obligations are met including IAS/BAS
- Working with the General Manager/Treasurer to complete EOFY processes
- Maintain reliable and accurate financial records
- Maintaining accurate asset register
- Filing and archiving of financial records
- Preparing journal entries
- Work with General Manager to complete half-yearly budget planning processes
- Organise and run quarterly financial reviews with Management Team and Treasure
Responsibilities shared with all SYN staff
- Adhere to SYN’s values
- Maintain a high standard of work practices and ensure integrity, respect and confidentiality whilst carrying out core tasks
- Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers to achieve the organisation’s objectives
SYN as an employer offers
- A culture of openness, that encourages you to ask questions, try new things and take risks – space to makes mistakes and learn
- Flexibility with ongoing personal appointments during work hours
- A professional development budget for each staff member
- Unlimited leave for COVID testing and vaccination appointments
- Unlimited paid professional development hours, we encourage staff to upskill and take opportunities that will further their career development, paying them to do so
- Flexible working from home and office policies
- A work laptop and modern office space based in Melbourne’s CBD
2. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
You take initiative, look out for things people may miss and ask the questions to move the project forward. You are driven by timelines and objectives, can work unsupervised along with enjoy collaboration. You like seeing the bigger picture impact of your work and participating in strategic conversations.
3. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential*
- Experience operating Xero (or comparable accounting software)
- Advanced level of understanding of bookkeeping/accounting
- Experience in managing payroll
- High level organisational skills and attention to detail
- Self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision
- Well-developed excel skills
- Emotional intelligence and tact when working on sensitive subjects
Desirable
- An understanding of the non-profit and/or social enterprise space
- Experience reporting to a board of governance
*Applicants who fill most, but not all, of the essential selection criteria are still encouraged to apply. SYN favours applicants who show capacity for growth and development within the role. If you are unsure if your skills and experience are applicable, please contact SYN’s General Manager, Ruby Smith, at ruby.smith@syn.org.au
How to apply
To apply, please download the 
position description and provide the following information:
- A maximum one-page cover letter, detailing why you are interested in the position with reference to the key selection criteria.
- A maximum two-page CV, including a minimum of two professional references.
Email all applications in a single PDF document to SYN’s General Manager, Ruby Smith, at gm@syn.org.au, with the subject line “Community Manager Application May 2024”.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 19th May 2024.
All applicants will be contacted within one week of the application deadline and candidates who progress to the next round will be invited to a job interview.
For more information on this position, email Ruby at gm@syn.org.au or call 03 9034 1985.
SYN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People with disabilities, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.
POSITION: Community Manager, SYN, Melbourne VIC
ABOUT SYN
SYN is Victoria’s youth community radio station. We provide opportunities for young Australians to broadcast their views on issues and ideas that matter to them. SYN’s staff support and develop the strength of our volunteer base who are the creators and owners of all content across our various platforms. All volunteers are under the age of 26.
Find out more about SYN here: https://www.syn.org.au/about-us
SYN FM (90.7 FM & DAB+ digital radio)
SYN operates a full-time community broadcasting licence and can be heard throughout Melbourne and Geelong on 90.7 FM and on DAB+. Our broadcast also streams live on our website, and on the Community Radio Plus app.
SYN as an employer offers
- A culture of openness that encourages you to ask questions, try new things and take risks – space to makes mistakes and learn
- Flexibility with ongoing personal appointments during work hours
- Flexible working from home and office policies
- A work laptop and modern office space based in Melbourne’s CBD
2. JOB SPECIFICATIOn
Primary Focus
The Community Manager is responsible for supporting the development and growth of SYN volunteers, and ensuring regular radio programming runs smoothly. Their goal is to ensure volunteers have a meaningful and positive experience of our organisation and community. The Community Manager provides day-to-day support to volunteers, organises membership data, supports volunteer communications, and supports the General Manager to develop strategies to engage more young people to participate at SYN.
This position works under the direction of and with support from the General Manager to coordinate a range of volunteer programs throughout the year, including (but not limited to) upskilling workshops, SYN Awards, SYN Camp, and the SYN Mentoring Program. The Community Manager works closely with the General Manager to support SYN’s fundraising strategy, including engaging with SYN’s community of more than 5,000 alumni. The Community Manager also supports the General Manager to develop SYN’s relationships with arts, music and youth organisations across Melbourne/Naarm.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work with RMIT on maintaining and continuously improving on-campus experience for SYN volunteers.
- Support the General Manager in executing SYN’s fundraising strategy, including SYN’s annual radiothon and subscriber drives.
- Provide direction and feedback to the volunteer Leadership Team.
- Support the Volunteer Programming Coordinator to ensure SYN’s radio grid runs smoothly.
- Coordinate membership renewal and collect member data.
- Coordinate SYN’s Mentoring Program, including recruiting mentees and mentors and developing industry partnerships.
- Contribute to SYNs grants strategy and support in the preparation of funding applications and acquittals.
- Coordinate event logistics for SYN volunteer events.
- Provide support and advice to SYN volunteers as needed.
- Oversee the training of new volunteers with support from SYN’s casual Induction Trainer.
- Maintain online and in-person training resources for new volunteers.
- Support the General Manager to develop relationships with Youth and Arts organisations across Melbourne/Naarm.
Responsibilities shared with all SYN staff:
- Adhere to SYN’s values of Inclusion, Innovation, Participation, Opportunity, and Independence
- Maintain a high standard of work practices and ensure integrity, respect and confidentiality whilst carrying out core tasks
- Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers to achieve the organisation’s objectives
3. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
You are passionate about media and find fulfilment in planning projects to achieve social impact. You value emotional intelligence, want to understand people’s needs and are excited by motivating and inspiring others. You enjoy coordinating projects, and can work both unsupervised and in a team environment. You look out for the things people may miss, asking questions to move the project forward, and are able to coordinate multiple tasks. You are a strategic thinker and can communicate your ideas to various audiences. You want to grow and learn new things, and as an empathetic leader you want to build a career in the community media sector.
4. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Please note that SYN is interested in candidates that have space to grow in the role. We encourage applicants to apply who may not fit all the Selection Criteria but are passionate about development.
Required
- An understanding of the community broadcasting sector and/or the broader youth, media, or arts sectors
- Experience managing projects or events and achieving project objectives to a deadline .
- Experience managing volunteers and the ability to work collaboratively with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds
- Experience in volunteer recruitment or training of volunteers / young people
- Stakeholder management skills, including the capacity to establish and maintain positive relationships with funding partners and other community organisations.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate and prioritise project deadlines and outcomes.
- Commitment to SYN’s values and a passion for young people, youth issues, participation and youth voice.
- Ability to work with flexibility at SYN’s office and from home.
- A valid employee Working with Children Check or ability to attain one.
Desirable:
- A strong network across Melbourne’s music / arts / youth sectors.
- Experience with grant funding, including drafting submissions, reaching objectives, and preparing acquittals.
How to apply
To apply, please download the position description and provide the following information:
- A maximum one-page cover letter, detailing why you are interested in the position with reference to the key selection criteria.
- A maximum one-page CV, including a minimum of two references.
Email all applications in a single PDF document to SYN’s General Manager, Ruby Smith, at gm@syn.org.au, with the subject line “Finance Administrator Application May 2024”.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 19th May 2024.
All applicants will be contacted within one week of the application deadline and candidates who progress to the next round will be invited to a job interview.
For more information on this position, email Ruby at gm@syn.org.au or call 03 9034 1985.
SYN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People with disabilities, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.
Community Broadcasting’s submission to the inquiry into the Australian live music industry
CBAA’s submission to the inquiry into Australia’s live music industry, that spotlights the vital role that community broadcasters play in nurturing emerging talent, helping artists build their audience and income, promoting events and festivals, developing local live music capacity and innovating to bring more live music to their communities.
May 2024
Read more about the incredible work our sector does for live music here or on our submissions page.
Australia’s network of community radio stations is the critical infrastructure to reach geographically and socially diverse audiences with local music and the promotion of local gigs, festivals and events.
Our submission emphasises that a sustainable community radio sector is integral to grow the live music industry.
Community radio stations:
- Have a close and co-operative relationship with local artists, live music venues, concert promoters and organisers.
- Manage programs, events and initiatives that are vital for artist development and career pathways.
- Support artist income with music licensing fees and event bookings and promotions.
- Host events and undertake activities that support skills development in music production, sound engineering, AV, promotions and event management that build local capacity in event and festival production
For the first time we have accompanied our written submission with a video submission. The video submission shares just a fraction of the incredible work community broadcasters do to connect their communities through live music. The video captures some of the brilliant examples of the mutually supportive relationship between live and local music and community radio.
Budget status quo falls short of securing sustainability for Community Broadcasting
Last night’s Federal Budget has been disappointing for community broadcasters.
The Budget for community broadcasters has been maintained – in line with the status quo – but it has failed to deliver the sustainable funding base required for community broadcasting to meet current demands and address the growing needs of our communities.
The Federal Budget sees funding for the Community Broadcasting Program increase nominally, in line with inflation to $22.5 million in 2024-25.
Our Advocacy for Sustainable Funding
Just over 6 months ago, community broadcasters launched Roadmap 2033: Community Broadcasting’s plan for greater impact in every Australian Community over the next decade – the product of a year’s worth of consultation and co-design with100s of representatives of stations and sector organisations.
Roadmap 2033 has been welcomed by the Federal Government because of the positive impact community broadcasting promised to deliver to address community challenges.
The plan offers to:
- give more Australians access to trusted, independent, local news and information from diverse sources
- play a unique, hyperlocal role communicating emergency information and provide more support to build community resilience in times of disaster
- support self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and close the gap in social and economic outcomes
- elevate Australian music, arts and cultural industries
- strengthen social and economic inclusion and cohesion
- support settlement of new migrant groups and strengthen multiculturalism
- provide more skilled career pathways into the media and communications industry for all communities
CBAA has met with 60 MPs and Senators about the Roadmap and there is strong support across the Parliament for the Community Broadcasting sector’s plan.
Unfortunately, that support has not translated to action in the 24-25 Budget.
Increased funding is critical to our future impact
Increased, long-term and secure funding from the Australian Government is urgently required to support community broadcasting to deliver these positive impacts for our communities.
CBAA understands that many stations are struggling financially to maintain their services. Every year CBF Funding Rounds are heavily oversubscribed with an average of $9.5 million in grant applications unable to be met each year. Until funding is substantially increased CBF grants will remain highly competitive, and many stations will be unable to secure grants for programs, community engagement and critical investments in station operations.
Continuing the conversation
The task is now for CBAA, sector organisation and community broadcasters to continue the conversation with the Government, and local MPs about the funding needs of our sector and the positive impact we can deliver for our communities.
CBAA remains confident of meaningful progress in the future.
The Government’s Revive cultural policy commits the Government to action ‘Increase support for community broadcasting to deliver local news, tell local stories and provide a platform for diverse voices and Australian music’.
The Government came to office in 2022 with a commitment to review the sustainability of community broadcasting including consideration of the adequacy of Federal Government funding for the Community Broadcasting Program and Indigenous Media and Broadcasting Program. Over 18 months have passed since the review commenced.
The CBAA encourages the Government to urgently conclude its review process (commenced November 2022) and deliver on its commitment under Revive (launched January 2023) to increase support for community broadcasting.
|
Community Broadcasting Program Budget ($ ,000) |
|
|
2023-24 (Estimated Actual) |
21,893 |
|
2024-25 (Budget) |
22,587 |
|
2025-26 Forward Estimate |
22,981 |
|
2026-27 Forward Estimate |
23,535 |
|
2027-28 Forward Estimate |
24,053 |
POSITION: Finance & Office Administrator, Alexandria NSW
Finance & Office Administrator
- Friendly, fast paced environment
- Key support role based in Alexandria NSW
- Two to three days per week (flexible)
The organisation
The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) is a leading member based, for purpose organisation. We provide programs and services that strengthen over 400 community radio and independent media organisations.
With over five million listeners each week, community radio plays a vital role in providing a voice for multicultural, First Nations and other underrepresented groups, as well as supporting independent and emerging musicians, and communities not adequately serviced by other media services.
Our office is conveniently located five minutes’ walk from Redfern Station.
The role
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you’ll actively support our Finance Team and provide administrative services across CBAA. This will provide an opportunity to use a variety of business systems and processes as we make our digital transition. We offer some flexibility around the timing of days worked to fit with exams and assignments.
Responsibilities:
- Support our Finance Team in financial workflows and analysis of financial data
- Provide proactive administrative support to CBAA staff
- Ensure the smooth operation of our Sydney office
Your success profile will include:
- Experience in a similar role or in a customer service role
- Certificate IV in Business Administration or in 2nd year or above of a business or related degree, or equivalent work experience
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and to collaborate across departments
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent numeracy and analytical skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint and Teams)
- Comfortable using and learning new technologies
- Eligibility to work in Australia for at least the next 12 months
Application Process
We are committed to improving outcomes for our communities. We value diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and with lived experience in the communities we serve (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people, the LGBTQIA+ community and people of diverse genders and faiths).
To apply, submit your resume (max three pages) and a cover letter (max two pages) addressing the requirements and reason for application to the Head of Finance, Community Broadcasting Association at jobs@cbaa.org.au. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview.
Please note that there is no formal closing date for this role. Early applications are encouraged, and suitable candidates may be shortlisted for interview as applications are received. For enquiries about this role, please email jobs@cbaa.org.au.
For further information about what’s expected in the role and what success would look like, please read the 
Success Profile.
Reflecting on The Wire’s Special Budget Night Broadcast
The Federal Budget 2024, on Tuesday 14 May, resulted in a collaboration in the spirit of Roadmap 2033, between The Wire, National Radio News, 2SER, Hornsby’s Triple H and the Community Radio Network.
Triple H was presented by Alexi Boyd who had this to say: “I had fun running around the Gallery with my community radio branded microphone asking all the advocates to give two minutes of their time on industry perspectives. I was lucky to interview Bran Black, CEO of Business Council of Australia, Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood, Chris Richardson, Australia’s leading economist and Smart Energy Council’s John Grimes.”
The show was produced by our political reporter, Noah Secomb, who worked to set-up the space to share with the Wire presenter, Rod Chambers, four of his volunteers from 2SER and National Radio News’ Sasha Foot. Sasha had been released from newsroom duties in Bathurst and spent four days reporting alongside Noah, including delivering a special live bulletin as part of the Budget Special.
The entire team was part of the famed Budget lock-up, where the media is prevented from communicating with anyone outside parliament as Australia’s fiscal future is presented. 2SER volunteers Steven Samaras and Alana Sunavratil joined presenter Rod Chambers and his expert guest and academic, Melissa Edwards, and the rest of the team to comb through the detail of what would be made public shortly after. It was a real team effort as described by Alexi Boyd, “My community broadcasting colleagues shared knowledge, budget analysis tips, and chocolates and made the experience stress free.”
Executive Producer of the Wire, Eduardo Jordan was delighted to see the show try this new format: “The Federal Budget special coverage of The Wire demonstrated that the news network across the (community broadcasting) sector is stronger than ever, with multiple collaborations on each front, giving a space to the issues the community are interested in. By creating partnerships across the sector, we are giving a platform to real voices and amplifying them to reflect the real Australia.”
Tully Sugar fails to disclose stake in QLD radio
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Tully Sugar Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese agribusiness company COFCO, after the company failed to adequately disclose its stake in Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd, which operates three commercial radio stations in regional Queensland.
Foreign stakeholders that hold at least 2.5 per cent ownership in Australian media companies must notify the ACMA the details of their company interests within 30 days after the end of each financial year. Tully Sugar has a 10 per cent stake in Coastal Broadcasters as part of its ongoing commitment to the local community.
“These rules are designed to provide greater transparency of foreign investment in Australian media companies,” ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said.
“Tully Sugar failed to lodge its foreign ownership notification for 2022-23 within the required timeframe after it had been warned when it failed to do so for 2021-22.”
In January 2023 the ACMA issued Tully Sugar with a formal warning for contravening the notification requirement for 2021-22. As Tully Sugar fell short of the notification requirement for 2022-23, the ACMA commenced formal enforcement action.
The court-enforceable undertaking requires Tully Sugar to undertake an independent audit of its compliance systems and processes and implement the recommendations of the auditor. Tully Sugar will also be required to report to the ACMA on the actions taken.
Information provided in foreign ownership notifications is used by the ACMA to update the Foreign Owners of Media Assets Register and to prepare an annual report to the Minister for Communications.
ACMA allocates community radio broadcasting licence in Millicent
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has allocated a five-year community radio broadcasting licence in the Millicent region of South Australia to Millicent Community Access Radio (MILCAR).
In December 2023 the ACMA called for applications for the Millicent community broadcasting licence, which uses the 107.7 FM frequency.
MILCAR has provided the 5THE FM service on a temporary licence since June 2023 and was the sole applicant for the five-year licence.
ACMA member Creina Chapman said in its application MILCAR made a commitment to build a sustainable on-air service with strong governance structures.
“Community radio provides an important platform for local voices and issues. Over the last ten months MILCAR has demonstrated that it is committed to the Millicent community and is providing local programming on the 5THE FM service,” Ms Chapman said.
“MILCAR currently has a healthy membership base and is looking to increase volunteer participation in the .
“We look forward to MILCAR delivering on the ambitions set out in its application for more local content and community participation in the 5THE FM service,” Ms Chapman said.