Creating a space for everyone at OAK FM

Today is International Disability Day and the theme this year is ‘fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress', one local organisation who embodies this is Wangaratta's community radio station, OAK FM 101.3. OAK FM welcomes presenters and volunteers of all abilities, and all ability presenters are on air Monday to Thursday, 12-2pm, spinning many genres of music from old classics to today’s hits and promoting local artists. Presenters and volunteers travel from across the region, including Cobram, Myrtleford and Wangaratta. Presenters Joshua Haddock and Will Moore have both been on air since 2018 but started working together in 2021. Joshua, who travels from Myrtleford to present live each Tuesday afternoon started, as a novice in the radio station and is now mentoring Will to present on the radio. Described as a walking music encyclopaedia, Joshua said he loves being able to help others at the station. "It's also great getting good feedback from the community," he said. Joshua said it's important for business and organisations to be inclusive and to have a facilities for people with disabilities. "Having people with disabilities on the radio is a good thing, a lot of people in the community get to hear from us," he said. "When I first started I wasn't sure what any of this was, but now I'm confident to do a show on my own." Wangaratta local, Will, said he is passionate about music and his favourite part of presenting is getting to play people's requests. "I love getting to talk on the radio, playing music and the requests is the best part," he said. Station manager Susan Fischer said their presenters love being a part of the team and it gives them an opportunity to build up their confidence. "The radio gives our all abilities presenters and volunteers the chance to get out and about and learn new things," she said. "As well as being part of the community which they can be a bit excluded from otherwise." For more information or to contact OAK FM, call (03) 5722 1569 or email admin@oakfm.com.au.

Creating a space for everyone at OAK FM

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