ABC Music and its renowned country music roster made a splash at this year’s Golden Guitar Awards. The label picked up six Golden Guitar awards and also had four performances on the night. In total, ABC Music had 19 nominations across the awards’ categories.

The Wolfe Brothers dominated the evening, claiming five Golden Guitar Awards and Max Jackson re-claimed the Female Artist of the Year title.

Tasmanian-based brother-duo The Wolfe Brothers cleaned up, winning five Golden Guitar Awards, including 2026 Toyota Album of the Year, Country Music Capital News Group of the Year and Contemporary Country Album of the Year for their studio album Australian Made, produced by Nick Wolfe and Rod McCormack.

The duo performed the title track to Australian Made, written with Grame Connors, which was awarded Heritage Song of the Year. While their single How Many One More Times, recorded with Zac & George won Vocal Collaboration of the Year.

For the second year in a row, Max Jackson has been named Female Artist of the Year. The star’s career catapulted in 2022, after winning Toyota Star Maker and has since gone on to win four Golden Guitar Awards in three years. Max Jackson tonight performed A Country Heart Can which debuted on national television in 2025, A Farmer Wants A Wife.

As Head of ABC Music, Natalie Waller, describes the results, “We’ve had an incredible year of releases —from our established artists to exciting new talent — achieving success both here and internationally as country music continues to thrive globally. We’re absolutely thrilled with these results and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our artists who walked away with wins or who were nominated in this year’s awards.’”

The award’s ceremony also featured some amazing performances from ABC Music nominees. Prolific indigenous artist, Warren H Williams, received 2 nods in this year’s awards for his song Ntaria with Kasey Chamber and Shane Nicholson, which they performed on the night.  The song’s nominations included Heritage Song Of The Year and Vocal Collaboration. Warren is currently working on his first full album in language due for release in 2026. 

Rising star, Tyla Rodrigues, picked up her first Golden Guitar nomination for New Talent of the Year. Tyla, who has been making waves here and abroad, playing at both CMA Fest and Americana Fest in Nashville in 2025 and heading the Europe for C2C Festival in March. Tyla performed her raucous hit, Hot & Heavy, that features on her forthcoming “Hold on Tight” EP.

Rounding out the long list of ABC Music nominations, Travis Collins and Andrew Swift, both previous winners for Male Artist of The Year; received another nomination each in this category for the 2026 awards. Travis releasing his The Band Album in 2025 and Andrew dropping hit singles in the lead up to his latest release, Lucky Stars. Plus, critically acclaimed Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham received a nod in the Best Group/Duo category. The duo are working towards their new album release in early 2026.

ABOUT 3MDR 97.1FM AND COMMUNITY RADIO SECTOREmpty heading

3MDR 97.1fm is a community radio station giving an independent voice to the community of Mount Dandenong and surrounds since the mid-1980s. Community broadcasting plays a vital role in connecting people to their community.

With a radio licence covering much of the Shire of Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire, as well as parts of both City of Casey and Knox City Council, 3MDR broadcasts from our studios at the historic Forest Park Homestead, Upwey, in the foothills of Mount Dandenong.

We pride ourselves on our representation of community and our role in promoting and supporting local artists, environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion within our community.

As a sector we actively promote community access and participation and volunteers play a major role in the operations of community broadcasting stations.

We provide a media space which enables otherwise marginalised communities to voice ideas and foster diverse and multicultural voices.

Upwey is home to some great eateries, cafes and bars and has an active creative community.

ABOUT THE ROLEEmpty heading

The Station Manager is a leadership role, responsible for the day-to-day operations that keep 3MDR on the air. This position reports directly to the Committee of Management and leads a team of 1 part-time staff and 100 volunteers. As well as the day-to-day operations, the Station Manager will work to strengthen community connections, engage and work with 3MDR volunteers and provide advice and support to the Committee of Management in the implementation of 3MDR’s Strategic Plan.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS ROLEEmpty heading

• Demonstrated experience in financial management, managing accounts including both revenue and expenditure
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and effectively partnering to influence decision-making
• Experience in community radio, or similar experience in volunteer led organisations, Not for Profit or Public sector
• Demonstrated leadership of a small team, including good understanding of workplace safety requirements
• Demonstrated experience in an office environment, e.g. managing correspondence, CRM management, and preparing reports

WHAT THIS ROLE CAN OFFEREmpty heading

• Flexibility: we are able to be flexible about the when the 37.5 hours are worked each week and there may be some ability to work part of that time at home
• Opportunities for training and professional development

NEXT STEPS

To submit your application please click ‘Apply Now‘ by the closing date.

For more information please contact Ben via president@3mdr.com, using the subject line: Station Manager enquiry.

3MDR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

People with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and people of all ages and backgrounds are all encouraged to apply for this position.

Information about 3MDR’s Diversity Policy and a Position Description can be found via the link below.

APPLY HERE

Full-time | Onsite – Redfern

Spots & Space is a specialist media sales company representing community and independent media across Australia. We work with national advertisers and agencies to help them connect with diverse audiences.

We’re looking for a Sales Support Coordinator to join our small, friendly team in Redfern. Reporting to the General Manager, Sales and Marketing, you’ll play a key role in supporting sales activity, keeping information accurate and current, and helping our team deliver strong, well-supported proposals to clients.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the sales team with CRM management, proposals and sales support activities
• Assisting with audience, media and market research to support client recommendations
• Liaising with media partners to gather information, reporting and presentation inputs
• Maintaining internal systems, keeping contacts and lists up to date, tracking sales activity and supporting pipeline reporting
• Providing backup support for bookings, campaign coordination and materials dispatch as needed
• Contributing as an active member of a small, collaborative team

About you

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident working with numbers, data and statistics
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks and deadlines
• Systems-oriented, with confidence using technology and workflows
• Advanced Excel skills, with strong proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite
• Experience using CRM systems
• Familiarity with Mailchimp or similar platforms is an advantage
• Advertising, radio or similar experience an advantage

Why work with us?

• Be part of a small team where your contribution matters
• Learn about First Nations, community, and diverse media
• Understanding how media sales and campaigns work, start to finish

We are interviewing suitable candidates currently so send your resume and cover letter to sara@spotsandspace.com.au

ABC Radio services in the Bendigo region will begin returning to air from today, with a staged restoration plan now in place following disruptions caused by fire to transmission infrastructure at Mt Alexander.

Broadcast network provider BAI Communications has advised the ABC that all four radio services; triple j, ABC Local Radio, ABC News Radio and ABC Classic, will progressively come back online between Friday afternoon and Sunday.

triple j has been prioritised for early restoration beginning today from mid-afternoon to ensure local listeners can enjoy one of the biggest music moments of the year with the triple j Hottest 100 this weekend.

ABC Chief Digital & Information Officer Damian Cronan said the restoration milestone was an important step in reconnecting regional audiences.

“We know how important radio is to the Bendigo community for staying informed and connected, and in the case of this weekend to celebrate a major cultural moment with the Hottest 100.

“Our teams and BAI have been working around the clock installing and testing new equipment, and we’re pleased to say listeners will start hearing services return from mid-afternoon starting with triple j,” he said.

Coverage during this initial restoration phase will reach around 75 per cent of the population normally served by the Bendigo transmitter. Earlier concerns about potential gaps in key areas such as Echuca have been resolved, as these communities receive strong coverage from the Shepparton transmitter.

To help further extend reach while full network capacity is restored, the ABC will prioritise Bendigo Local Radio using a mobile antenna. Complete coverage is expected to take several weeks as permanent infrastructure is reconnected and tested.

“This is the first major step in bringing all services fully back online, and we appreciate the patience the community has shown,” Mr Cronan said.

“We’ll continue to update audiences as coverage expands and the network returns to normal.”

Restoration schedule

• Friday: triple j restored first, ahead of the Hottest 100
• Saturday / Sunday: ABC Local Radio, ABC Classic, ABC News Radio restored progressively
• Approx. 75% of normal coverage initially, with reach expanding as works continue.

Listeners can tune into the triple j Hottest 100 this weekend and find event details, streams and countdown coverage at: https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100

ABC Gold Coast has announced Trevor Jackson will be returning to the national broadcaster as the host of Breakfast in 2026. 

An experienced, award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Trevor’s career at the ABC stretches back more than 20 years. He has covered news and emergency broadcasting, hosted the in-depth interview series Conversations and previously held the role of ABC Gold Coast’s Content and Music Director. He will be returning to the ABC microphone each weekday from 5am to 8am. 

“Mayor Tom Tate reckons there’s two types of Australians – those who live on the Gold Coast and those that wish they did,” said Trevor. “Having lived here for 20 years I couldn’t agree more! I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to tap into everything that’s happening across the Gold Coast as it comes to life each weekday morning. 

“The Gold Coast is one of the most fascinating and dynamic young cities in the world. I really want to get to the heart of who we are and why we live here with local stories to keep our listeners informed and entertained. There’ll be no shortage of banging good brekky tunes and plenty of laughs, so Gold Coasters can start their day with a smile on their dial. Bring it on!” 

Current Breakfast incumbent Nicole Dyer will be trading six years of early morning starts to take up the microphone for Mornings, broadcast Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 11am. 

“I’ve loved every minute of hosting breakfast on ABC Gold Coast for the past six years,” said Nicole. “My early morning listeners have entertained and inspired me through good and sometimes challenging times. It was not an easy decision to leave Breakfast, but I’m looking forward to switching it up on Mornings and sleeping in a little later each day.” 

Her first Mornings broadcast will be on Thursday 29 January.

The ABC Gold Coast line-up for 2026 will be completed with Bern Young on Drive from 3pm to 6pm and Tom Forbes at the helm for Saturday Breakfast. 

Audiences can look forward to hearing all ABC Gold Coast teams on the air from 2 February. 

ABC TV, SBS and commercial broadcasters have been restored to the Bendigo region after new transmission equipment was installed to replace the fire-damaged infrastructure at Mt Alexander.

ABC radio is on track for service restoration later this week.

The new transmission equipment tested today sees the restoration of all ABC TV, including the main ABC channel, ABC News, ABC Entertains and ABC Kids in time for tonight’s evening news.

ABC TV, SBS, and commercial broadcasters will remain on-air with a footprint that is smaller than pre-fire conditions and the signal may be unstable initially. This is expected to improve in coming days. 

If TV viewers have difficulty accessing their television channels, they are advised to rescan their TV sets to ensure a signal is received.

Local Radio, triple j, Classic, and News Radio are expected to be back to their regular frequencies by Friday, but will have a smaller footprint until services can be restored to full power in the coming weeks.

“This has been a tremendous collaboration between all the broadcasters and BAI to get transmission services restored after the Bendigo fires,” said Damian Cronan, ABC Chief Digital and Information Officer.

“Trucks arrived in Bendigo early this week with an array of transmission hardware, and teams from BAI have now finalised the connection and testing of new equipment to ensure the community gets back its ABC.

“Once we have all our services back on air, we will then focus on how quickly we can get back to full power. 

“We thank the community for its patience and will continue to update as we know more.”

What audiences should know

• Restoration is a progressive process, expect poorer quality and reduced transmission reliability at first. 
• You may need to rescan your TV to ensure ABC services return. 
• Communities near the Victoria—NSW border north of Bendigo and the Daylesford region may experience ongoing reception issues until full power is restored. 
• Audiences can also listen to radio services on the ABC Listen app and watch TV via ABC iview where internet is available.
• Our teams are working around the clock to restore reliable transmission services as quickly as possible.

ABC Audio has capped off a standout year in digital listening, with ABC Sport’s coverage of The Ashes driving record audiences on ABC listen and contributing to strong growth across live streams and podcasts in 2025.   

In 2025, the average number of weekly digital audio users increased by 17 per cent compared to the previous year, driven by major national moments including The Ashes, the Federal Election, News and emergency broadcasting, the Mushroom Case Daily podcast, and increased usage of the ABC listen app.    

ABC listen grew across every key measure in 2025. 

• Weekly active users increased by 14 per cent across the year, with an average of 554,000 active users each week.    
   
• Ashes coverage proved a major drawcard, with ABC listen usage rising 16 per cent during the series. The ABC Sport stream set a new streaming record, reaching 10.4 million streaming minutes on day three of the Sydney Test.    

Today, the December 2025 Triton Australian Podcast Ranker confirmed a strong finish to the year for ABC podcasts, with overall audiences up eight per cent compared to the same time last year. 

The ABC had 54 podcasts in the Triton Podcast Top 300 – the most of any publisher – including two in the Top 10: ABC News Top Stories at No.3 and Conversations at No.6.   

The ABC Cricket Podcast entered the Top 50 at No.50, jumping 36 places from the previous month, while ABC Sport Daily also ranked in the Top 60.    

ABC Head of Audio on Demand, Jessica Radburn, said: “This marks a record year for ABC listen and digital audio, capped by a strong December. Australians embraced the ABC for trusted breaking news, emergency broadcasting, live sport and binge-worthy podcasts, with Ashes coverage proving a major drawcard and delivering a soundtrack to summer for audiences nationwide.”

2026Image L-R: Jim Moginie, Peter Garrett, Bones Hillman, Martin Rotsey, Rob Hirst, Damian Trotter (Sony Music Publishing Australia). Credit: Tony Mott

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of beloved songwriter, drummer and friend, Rob Hirst. 

Hirst was best known as the drummer for Midnight Oil, who he played with for 50 years, from their formation on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 1972 until their worldwide farewell concerts in 2022. He also performed and recorded with a number of other acts including Angry Tradesmen, Backsliders and Ghostwriters. 
 
He also wrote many of the Oils hits, becoming a member of APRA in 1978 and earning writing credits on songs including “Beds Are Burning”, “Blue Sky Mine” and “Read About It”. He went on to win a number of awards including APRA’s coveted Song of the Year in 2021 for “Gadigal Land” and a Gold Award in 1991 for “Beds Are Burning”.  

For APRA’s 75th Anniversary in 2001, an industry poll of the top 30 Australian songs featured “Beds are Burning” at #3 and “Power and the Passion”, which Hirst co-wrote with bandmates Jim Mogini and Peter Garrett. 

Hirst and the other members of Midnight Oil received the 2018 Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the 2018 APRA Music Awards, an acknowledgement of their powerful songwriting, support for environmental causes, and the social justice activism that defined the band on a global scale. 

Midnight Oil was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006 and received the Sydney Peace Foundation’s Gold Medal for Human Rights in 2020.  

Hirst was a passionate advocate for the industry and has asked that any donations be made to music industry charity, Support Act. 

Jenny Morris, Chair of APRA, says: “Rob was a music man of many talents. For me he will always be associated with writing, crafting and playing some of the most iconic songs in Australian music history. He will be sorely missed.” 

“Rob’s songwriting had a profound impact on Australian culture and on other music creators,” adds Dean Ormston, CEO, APRA AMCOS. “Through his songs and the music of Midnight Oil, Rob addressed vital issues and never shied away from taking a stand. Rob was the passion inside one of Australia’s most powerful bands, the force that made those songs soar – whether they were playing to a packed pub or an arena of adoring fans.”  

Leah Flanagan, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs & Strategy, who also played with the Oils, shares: “Rob Hirst was the beating heart of Midnight Oil — a drummer whose power on stage was matched only by his deep compassion off it. A lifelong supporter of Indigenous rights and a steadfast champion of musicians from the bush, Rob understood how music holds stories, heals communities and moves hearts toward change. One of the most influential musicians in Australian music, he inspired countless artists and people from all walks of life. His commitment to environmental and charitable causes never wavered, and his generosity enriched every space he entered.” 

Hirst is survived by his wife Leslie Holland, three daughters and grandchildren. 

Midnight Oil – “Beds Are Burning”

Southern Cross Austereo: #1 Network People 25-54 metro – 36 surveys in a row
Triple M: #1 Network Men P25-54 – 24 surveys in a row
Adelaide: Triple M: #1 station & #1 Breakfast (P25-54)
Brisbane: Triple M: #1 station (P25-54)

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) delivered another industry-leading performance in the final GfK Radio Survey of 2025, extending its position as Australia’s Number 1 commercial radio network for People 25–54 for a 36th consecutive survey.

Combined with ACE Radio, SCA secured the Number 1 commercial share of People 25–54 nationally, with a 34.8% share, up 0.4 share points, reinforcing its position as the country’s most consistent and trusted audio network for listeners and advertisers alike.*

Triple M continued its unrivalled dominance amongst Men 25–54, recording a 24th consecutive survey win as the Number 1 network in the demo with a 15.3% share. Strengthened by compelling cricket coverage over summer, the network also delivered standout results across key markets in Brisbane and Adelaide, with both stations securing the Number 1 position 10+ and People 25-54.

In Adelaide, Triple M Breakfast with Roo, Ditts, & Loz continue to demonstrate their powerhouse status, recording a 15.1% share and reinforcing the show’s status as the city’s dominant Number 1 Breakfast show, now leading 23 of the past 24 surveys. In Perth, 92.9 Triple M delivered one of its strongest results in recent years, increasing its share to 9.3%, and achieving growth across Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons, and Drive. Xav & Katie recorded its second-best Breakfast result ever, rising to a 13.0% share as they continue to captivate Perth audiences.

The Rush Hour with JB & Billy continued its strong momentum across the year, recording a 11.9% share in Melbourne – Triple M’s best result in the time slot since Survey 3, 2006 – and secured a 20th consecutive survey win with Men 25–54 in the timeslot. The Drive show (4pm-6pm) also recorded a jump in Perth to a 9.6% share.

The Hit Network delivered a solid result, as the Number 2 network nationally for People 25–54 with a 12.7% share, a strong platform to build on in 2026. In Melbourne, The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick remained the top Breakfast show for Women 25–54 (14.6%). In Adelaide, SAFM welcomed Bel Sloane to Breakfast, with the station winning Women 25–54 (14.4%).

John Kelly, SCA Managing Director – Audio said: “SCA has continued to deliver consistency at scale, with another strong performance in the Audience That Matters, holding an industry-leading 34.8% share of the metro 25-54 audience when combined with our ACE stations. With our diverse and entertaining audio portfolio spanning LiSTNR, Triple M, and the Hit Network, we enter 2026 with a solid market position, supported by consistent network performances and brands, highly engaged audiences, and positive momentum for our clients.

“Now with the merger complete, SCA and Seven’s shared strengths in trusted talent, live and local content, and deep expertise in the Audience That Matters, will create powerful opportunities across broadcast television, audio, publishing, and digital,” Kelly concluded.

Matthew O’Reilly, SCA Head of Broadcast Content, added: “Survey 8 gives us plenty to be proud of and a strong foundation to build on. Congratulations to the Triple M Adelaide and Brisbane teams for once again holding the Number 1 spot – an outstanding result driven by strong local content and a deep connection with audiences. It’s great to see SCA finish the year on top in the Audience That Matters, reflecting the strength and consistency of our lineups and brands nationally.

“Looking ahead to 2026, the combination of Southern Cross Austereo and Seven presents a unique and unmatched opportunity in the Australian market. Bringing together two leading content companies allows us to create, collaborate, and grow audiences in new ways, as we’ve already seen through the collaboration between Triple M and Seven during The Ashes, highlighting the unlimited opportunities ahead.”

*Source: GfK R360 Metro Survey #8 2025. P25-54, Mon-Sun ROS, Commercial Share %, SCA + ACE Stations. 

Source: GfK Radio 360 Metro Survey #8 2025. P10+/P25-54/F25-54/M25-54. Mon-Sun ROS/Mon-Fri 05.30-09.00/Mon-Fri 06.00-09.00/Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00/Mon-Fri 12.00-16.00, Market Share % / Commercial Share % / Cume Reach (000’s). *35 consecutive surveys since S5 2021. 

About Southern Cross Media Group

Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) (Southern Cross) is one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence across broadcast television, audio, publishing and digital.

SCA’s audio assets include the LiSTNR digital audio app, offering free and compelling digital audio content including SCA’s FM, AM, and DAB+ radio stations, live AFL, NRL, and international cricket coverage, over 50 music playlists, local news and over 800 podcast titles from leading Australian and global creators. With more than 2.5 million signed-in users on the LiSTNR app and with a total LiSTNR Audience Network that reaches an estimated ten million* people each month.

SCA owns 104 radio stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio under the Triple M and Hit network brands and provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations, with more than 8.7 million listeners across the Hit and Triple M networks nationally.

The horrific terrorist attack targeting Jewish Australians at Bondi Beach took the lives of 15 innocent men, women and children. The attack has caused profound grief for families, friends and communities, and has deeply shaken the sense of safety and security that Jewish Australians feel, and that all Australians, value and deserve.

A National Day of Mourning will be held on Thursday 22 January.

At 7.01 pm AEDT, people across the country are invited to observe a minute of silence to remember and honour the lives lost on 14 December 2025.

This day is an opportunity for all Australians to come together in a spirit of unity, care and hope.

The role of community broadcastingEmpty heading

Community broadcasters have an important role in supporting messages of unity and standing against division and hate.

Across the country, community radio stations provide a place for people from diverse backgrounds and with different interests to come together, share stories and  connect. Our stations amplify local voices,  and share positive stories that build understanding between people.

Community broadcasting reflects an inclusive Australia by supporting culture and languages, celebrating diversity, and promoting harmony. We work to overcome prejudice and discrimination.

How stations can observe the Day of MourningEmpty heading

To support stations, CBAA has published guidance and resources on how to observe the National Day of Mourning and share information with listeners.

Resources available include:

• An audio file that stations may choose to play during the minute of silence. The audio includes a message from Eastside Radio in Bondi and the gentle sound of waves.
• Practical guidance on other ways stations and listeners can observe the day and honour those who lost their lives, and those affected by the attack.

Stations that subscribe to Community Radio Network or National Radio News services will also receive separate, detailed instructions outlining how the National Day of Mourning will be observed across those services and what this means for programming.

We encourage stations to take part in ways that are appropriate for your programming.

Thank you for continuing to serve your communities with care, respect, and compassion.