Castlemaine’s award-winning radio station 94.9 MainFM has had a busy week on the airwaves with its annual Radiothon (August 30-September 6). Radiothon is a chance for listeners to show their support by subscribing to the station and sharing the love for community radio. MainFM has grown from humble beginnings into a powerhouse of local culture, music, and grassroots storytelling. With over 100 volunteer presenters and a diverse array of over 70 programs, the station serves as a daily reminder of the region’s creativity, penchant for varied interests and activities, and rich musical heritage. Programs are presented by volunteers with a passion for radio, showcasing and supporting local culture and communities. Over the eight days, Radiothon listeners have been encouraged to tune in, subscribe and join the good ship MainFM. There are plenty of reasons to subscribe – a bounty of daily prizes up for grabs and everyone who subscribes during the month of September will go in the major prize draw. There is an ever-growing list of businesses around town offering discounts for subscribers too. The theme of this year’s Radiothon ‘All Aboard’ is a whimsical reference to the very real recent flooding that occurred at the Old Hospital, the home of MainFM, which caused considerable damage to the station. “The flooding has caused damage to our equipment and major disruptions to our operations over the past six weeks, it’s dominated our conversations as we’ve attempted to remain on air without a home,” said station manager Steph Riddel. “So naturally, the water theme has flowed through into Radiothon, and we’re inviting everyone to come on board and join the good ship MainFM,” she said. “We’ve had rough seas of late, and we’re looking for a safe port… you get the drift,” she said jokingly. “But in all seriousness, we have cultivated a strong community asset here at MainFM,” she said. “MainFM is about amplifying the voices of our community. It’s real radio, made by real people, for the people who live here, “ she said. “In an age of digital noise, MainFM offers something increasingly rare: authenticity, connection, and a deep love for local life, but we can’t deliver without the support of the community,” she said. MainFM’s team of volunteer broadcasters will be working overtime to present back to back live shows throughout Radiothon. As a volunteer organisation, all income raised during Radiothon will be used to sustain operations and for future development. “Every dollar goes back into equipment, training, and supporting our presenters,” says Steve Charman, one of the station’s long-time volunteers. “It’s not just a station, it’s a community.” In addition to eight days of special programming, to celebrate, MainFM is hosting Radiothon Live at the Taproom! A special outside broadcast with audience interaction and special prizes for those who subscribe during the show. Radiothon Live at the Taproom will be held at the Shedshaker Taproom at the Mill tonight Friday September 5 from 5pm to 8pm with a live band to follow. Listeners can catch MainFM on 94.9FM or stream online via www.mainfm.net. Become a part of the fabulous and growing MainFM community- become a subscriber, a sponsor, or hosting your own radio show. All Aboard!