We were awarded the Excellence In Community Participation - Community Outlook (Saturday 1-2pm) as well as the Troy Garner Excellence in Sports Programming - YVMDFNL Game of the Day - Pride Cup Rd 3.
3MDR president Robert Gearon was thrilled by the station’s success and stated ‘The award is an affirmation of 3MDR’s commitment to supporting inclusion, equality and diversity in the broader community.’
Community Outlook, an hour long program, features community news and interviews from members of local community groups. Several volunteers are involved in sourcing content and producing the program each week. The award also extends to 3MDR’s numerous outside broadcasts from local events and festivals. The program is produced with the funding assistance of Yarra Ranges Council.
The Pride Cup was an initiative driven by Jason Ball, the first Australian Rules footballer to openly declare himself as a gay footballer, to strike a blow against homophobia in sport. The initiative was made possible through the unequivocal support of his club Yarra Glen, traditional rivals Yarra Junction as well as the Yarra Valley Mountain and District Football and Netball League and the Yarra Ranges Council.
Jason Ball said 'one of the objectives of the Pride Cup was to send a message to the local community that country football can be a welcoming place for the LGBTI community. 3MDR's coverage of not only the match but also the big issues surrounding the day with in-depth interviews and commentary really helped to drive that message.'
The Pride Cup was supported by a number of organisations including the AFL, Netball Australia, JOY 94.9, No To Homophobia and beyondblue.
Robert Gearon says ‘3MDR will again give its full support to the Pride Cup in 2015’.