City of Wanneroo approves $5000 donation to 89.7FM

AN impassioned plea to Wanneroo councillors for funding paid off for a local radio presenter.

Sue Myc made a deputation on behalf of Wanneroo Joondalup Regional Broadcasting Association, which runs radio station 89.7FM, at the September council meeting to request a $5000 donation to cover a quarter of its transmission rental costs.

She said the station had welcomed thousands of volunteers since it started in 2001.

“Thousands have walked in and left with valuable experience,” she said.

“We’re all volunteers, no one has ever got paid.”

Ms Myc said the station ran thanks to support from volunteers, funding, grants and sponsorship, with the City of Joondalup contributing $11,000 annually in return for a weekly segment.

She hoped the donation could turn into a sponsorship arrangement with the City.

A report by the City did not support the donation as it already provides $5000 per year to the association and its policy is to endorse one funding application per financial year.

But Mayor Tracey Roberts moved an amendment to approve the funding, which was unanimously endorsed by councillors.

“I do this with due regard for the service to the community the local radio station does,” she said.

“It’s very, very clear thousands of volunteers, local people, have gone through gaining valuable experience.

“I believe this provides great opportunity to our local residents, whether youths or seniors, in a supportive environment.”

Other funding recipients included the Quinns Rocks Bushfire Brigade Cadets to participate in the Australian Fire Cadet Championships and Joondalup Entertainers Theatre School, School Sport WA, Football West and High Flyers Gymnastics to attend competitions.

MORE: Cockburn man charged over alleged armed robbery with knife

MORE: Man fined over dog attack on housemate

MORE: Council ranger says more to the job than ‘just chasing dogs’

MORE: Family and friends of Johnny Ruffo rally around singer/actor as he battles brain cancer