ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
BRIDGETOWN COMMUNITY RADIO
Held March 25, 2003 at Bridgetown High School

PRESENT - Deb Barnden, Dawn Earl, Kim Perrier, Marie Perrier, John Owen, Mike Nix, Aaron McKnight, Jack Paap, Terry Harrison, Christian Jones, Barb Hansen, Ed Mark, Genevieve Gyani.

APOLOGIES - Anne Bartz, Joyce Birch, Julia Boyle, Deb Dixon, Jon Doust, The Joyce Family, Doug Foley, Sharon Francesconi, Barbara Hatzigeorgiou, Mark & Di Hollett, Tom Illich, Lianne Jay. Rita & Sean Kiely, Pam Lane, Carmel Lowe, Vannessa Lynn, Craig McCoy, Carol & John Nelson, Cheryl & John Rich, John & Ruth Roberts, Chris & Erica Shedley, Richelle Stannard, Nick Travers, Dean Unsworth, Clint Van Halteren, Colin Wells.

FINANCE - A copy of the auditor's report , showing a current balance of $2,118.66, was circulated among members.

The following people were elected -

Kim Perrier - Chairperson
Aaron McKnight - Vice Chairperson
Christian Jones - Secretary
Deb Barnden - Treasurer

Committees to comprise the following -

1. Marketing - John Owen
2. Engineering - Michael Nix
3. Youth - Ed Mark

GENERAL BUSINESS - The President, Kim Perrier, expects to see the station up and running to test broadcasts by next year's AGM. He said we need to find people who can be involved in the many facets of "RADIO".

We need to create sponsorship packages for both small and large businesses. It would be nice to see some of the major players in the town become involved in Community Radio. There appears to be a requirement for small towns like Bridgetown to become more self-reliant, to dissipate their funds locally and become a much more intimate group. For example, the funds which are spent in Bunbury with the media, or at least some of them, should be spent locally. The concept of self-sufficiency should be developed and a local radio facility should act as a vehicle and spokesperson for all and sundry. If the community is upset with something in the town, what better way than to have their objections, etc. aired over local radio.

At this point in the meeting the President invited everyone present to express their thoughts about Bridgetown Community Radio.

Jack Paap felt that the use of local radio was very important for all and sundry to become involved. Jack made special reference to situations involving the local fire service, police, St John's Ambulance and CALM.

At this point it was also suggested that these parties be invited to join B.C.R.

Dawn Earl emphasised that we should be submitting our application for a local grant with Bridgetown/Greenbushes Shire Council, since applications close on Friday, March 28th

Deb Barnden is interested in developing Web Site designs.

Barb Hansen felt that local businesses should become very involved instead of spending their money in Bunbury. She would like to see us develop our own "B.C.R. Blues Show".

Ed Mark is interested in developing a youth centre with radio.

Dawn Earl said Community Radio was essential for communications and the "village centre" would like a lot more involvement by local councillors. (Ms Earl is the Community Development Officer with Bridgetown/Greenbushes Shire Council.).

Mike Nix is our technical man and will be responsible for the assembly and function of our broadcasting. Aaron McKnight will work alongside Mike in the technical field.

Christian Jones is keen to see the use of local musicians (of which there are 90 in Bridgetown alone) to provide some live music programs at B.C.R.

John Owen will become involved in finance and marketing and the eventual running of a jazz program on B.C.R.

Terry Harrison is also a member of the technical team and also has a passion for jazz music.

Marie Perrier is interested in involving youth from Bridgetown High School in community radio.

Genevieve Gyani likes the idea of a local radio station. She comes from Perth and has experience in that area from the city.

Finally, it was resolved that Marie make arrangements with the local Call Centre for us to move in there, since we have been offered free accommodation for 5 years. John Owen suggested we get something in writing to this effect. Kim Perrier has had some discussions with Paddy Alcock of the St John's Ambulance about using their new antenna for our broadcasts. It was also suggested that the technical committee pull out some figures relating to costs of equipment to allow us to apply for further grants.

The meeting closed at 9.05 pm.

 

POSTSCRIPT TO THE MEETING

1. The grant application was completed and lodged.

2. Frank & Joan Hays from Hope FM 103.9 Community Radio in Esperance made the 14 hour return trip to Bridgetown to bring a transmitter for Bridge FM. This is community spirit at its greatest!

The transmitter is on loan for as long as we need it. Hopefully our submission to the Shire Community Grants will be successful. This will help purchase enough equipment to enable us to use the transmitter to go to Air.