Western Radio Broadcasters Incorporated, STEREO 974, are one of the longest Established Community Broadcasters in Victoria. The association was originally established in 1978 under the guidance of Mr Barry JONES M.P. We were situated at the Westend Market in North Sunshine for quite some years. In 1998 when ownership of the market changed we found ourselves homeless. All avenues were searched for a New Home. It became very obvious that times were tough, and whoever we approached, we found that Commercial interests were always at the forefront. As you can appreciate, we had to look for long term security.
Ease of access, security not only for our Volunteers but also for our Equipment, and associated factors all had to be considered. Fortunately we were put in contact with Mr Larry BLACK (General Manager of Auto Group Auctions of 594 Geelong Road Brooklyn). Construction of our new Studios commenced immediately and work went on around the clock. In fact, the complex was completed in 20 days construction time. We have now been broadcasting from our new home since June 1998. Throughout construction Auto Group assisted with Plant and Equipment and, in fact they donated all the furnishings for our Studios, Office and Reception Area. In February 2006, Auto Group vacated the site, the owners of the site, Powercor, came to our rescue, and we have remained on site since, thanks to their continued support.
On the 12 October 2010, we signed an M.O.U. with the Victorian Government, which formerly recognised STEREO 974, as an Official Emergency Broadcaster for our Broadcast Region, this is something that we had been engaged in since the Coode Island fire in August 1991. We recognise the Demographics of our Broadcast Area, and provide Ethnic Language Programs, which in-fact cover a third of our Broadcast time, the remainder time is English Language, heavily promoting Country Music, and Australian Artists. A lot of technical planning has gone into our Studio’s, such as during power outages we have an automatic diesel generator that takes over, likewise we have an emergency transmitter located at our Studio’s, this enables us to be self-sufficient, and continue to broadcast, which is extremely important in times of emergencies. Without the support of Citipower, Powercor, and United Energy, who provide our Studio Site, and TIC Group Pty Ltd, who provide our Main Transmitter Site, life would be a lot harder. We thank them both for being great “Corporate Citizens, and supporting STEREO 974 a Not for Profit, Volunteer Association.
