Castlemaine’s community radio station 94.9 MainFM is celebrating a major milestone after winning the ‘Tony Staley Award for Excellence in Community Broadcasting’ at the 2026 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Awards recently.
Tony Staley was instrumental in the development of the community broadcasting sector in Australia. The panel selected award recognises excellence in community broadcasting and is bestowed upon stations that actively promote the values of community broadcasting in the areas of democracy, diversity, access and independence.
Over 25 years, MainFM has built a vibrant, thriving community station powered by more than 140 volunteers with over 70 programs each week, with a strong commitment to local issues, the arts, diversity, access and emergency preparedness. A remarkable embodiment of community broadcasting values.
It’s a significant achievement for the Castlemaine-based station.
Station Manager Steph Riddel said for MainFM, the win belongs to the whole community.
“Our station is built on the passion and dedication of the people who make it happen, and from little things big things grow. It’s testament to the hard work and passion our volunteers, past and present, have dedicated to serving our community, to the support of our sponsors, subscribers, listeners and partners that have helped make it happen,” she said.
“Our community has built something exceptional, and now the whole country has recognised it,” Steph said.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition. MainFM is a place where local voices are heard, diverse perspectives are welcomed, local music is celebrated and people can connect with their community. This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of what can happen when people come together around something they believe in,” she said.
MainFM’s impressive programming spans music, arts, culture, news and conversation. Its volunteer-powered approach creates opportunities for people to share their interests, develop broadcasting skills and bring stories to air that might not otherwise be heard.
The station also works alongside local organisations, artists, musicians and community groups, providing a platform for local creativity, connection and
participation.
Independent community radio plays an important role in Australia’s media landscape, offering locally relevant programming, diverse perspectives and
opportunities for communities to tell their own stories.
For MainFM, the award is a celebratory moment to savour and, provides encouragement to keep building on the momentum that has come from the
collaborative work of so many in the community.