Are you ready to Come Together | right now for 3MDR’s annual Radiothon extravaganza?

Yes folks, 3MDR’s once a year call out to you, our beloved listeners, to put your money where your ears are and subscribe to help this mighty fine station stay on the airwaves for another 12 months

Come Together | right now kicks off on Monday 12th October & runs til Sunday 25th October

With 2020 being one of the most challenging years in living memory, local radio has played an important role in keeping listeners connected, providing company and comfort during  these difficult and often isolating times

                 To celebrate or perhaps commemorate the crazy year that 2020 is 3MDR has an EXCLUSIVE
Come Together | right now T-Shirt
available for purchase at $30ea with every subscription taken out during the 2020 Radiothon

We firmly believe that all of the incredible volunteering efforts from 3MDR's presenters over the last 12 months are worth 100% of your support.  A subscription rate rise was on the tables but, after careful consideration, it has been decided to keep the subscriber rates at the same prices as they have been for the last decade.   3MDR continues to provide More Community Radio Bang For Your Buck.
If you've been missing your favourite show, as not all of our fabulous presenters have been able to produce content at home or return to live broadcasting... Fear not, our second studio has just been finished and will be on air for Radiothon, so more shows will be returning.  There will still be some shows missing from the grid, but these presenters are super keen to return as soon as they can.

The 2020/21 3MDR Listener Subscriber Rates are: 

$20 Youth (under 18)
$30 Concession / Offbeat Friend / Strapped (for cash)
$40 Standard
$50 Family
$50 Community Group/School/Sports Club
$50 Performers
$100 Business
NEW CATEGORY $1000 Best Friend For Life - pay once and your good for life!!!
 
$40 Concession Membership
$50 Standard Membership

As the prices will be remaining ridiculously cheap, we are encouraging our listeners to add a tax deductible donation if in a position to do so.
We have some suggested amounts, with our favourites being:
 Frequency Flyer Cessna for $97.10
Frequency Flyer Jumbo Jet for $971.00
 Or maybe round up your purchase to one of these amounts
 We’ve added this as an option in our 3MDR.com shop
All donations over $2 are tax deductible

Thank you so much for tuning in and supporting community radio 3MDR 97.1fm as we 
Come Together | right now

We do hope you’ve been enjoying the programming on 3MDR. 

Thanks for tuning in!!
 
We’d like to thank all the contributors of programs providing entertainment and information on the airwaves with a number of “one off” shows produced by community members.  We’d also like to thank the Community Radio Network for providing free access to nationally syndicated community programs filling in on some regular show time slots.
 
During the all too short easing of restrictions, some presenters did make a return to the studio and continue to present live radio.  As soon as The Drawing Room studio is finished more of your favourite presenters will be making a welcome return to live broadcasting of their weekly programs.
 
Like all radio stations, the challenges presented by covid have been immense but we are determined to keep you company over the airwaves as best, and as safely, as possible.   Developing its covidSAFE plan, 3MDR has implemented controls to keep the studio open and our presenters safe.  We’d like to thank the CBF for the funding support helping the station to stay open and develop strategies for the return of the presenters to the studios.
 
There are several new show proposals in the wings and we look forward to introducing you to new programs with fresh ideas and different musical flavourings to compliment the already diverse nature of the weekly program schedule.  One of the new programs is Rock Bottom Radio with Marko who will be joining the grid with a remotely produced program whilst still in lockdown on Wednesdays 3-4pm leading into Sidetracks with John Schmidli 4-5pm.   More new programs will be announced soon!

Waking The Neighbours with Dan makes a welcome return to the programming on Tuesdays 3-5pm.  Dan had been presenting the program for some time on Sunday evenings and hopped back into broadcasti8ng mode during the first lockdown and has formally submitted a request to secure a spot on Tuesday afternoons.

Diggin' It with Janette is retiring after several years on Tuesdays 10-11am.  We look forward to Janette returning to the studio to fire up Rockabilly Drive By on Tuesday afternoons after the covid restrictions have lifted.

We're sure you're missing some of your favourite programs that have been taking a break during the pandemic.  Ann Creber from The Good Life will be making guest appearances on Classically Saturday with Jules.  Check out Ann's first guest appearance HERE.
 
On a sad note, we farewelled Angelo Mazzone, much loved presenter of the Italian Show (Thursdays 3-5pm) who passed away in June at the age of 87.  For more information about Angelo check out an earlier news item HERE.
 
The Leggacy Sessions (Mondays 8-9:30pm) is retiring with Brian Baker moving to New Zealand.  Honouring the late Alex Legg, the ALMF is winding up with one last hurrah to distribute the remaining funds to local musicians.  We wish Brian and the ALMF crew all the very best and thank them for their contribution to 3MDR supporting local musicians on the weekly Leggacy Sessions program.
 
3MDR also extends much thanks to Tony Bates who has been involved in community broadcasting around Victoria for some 30 years or so.  Knocking on the door of the Emerald studio after moving into Cockatoo a few years back, Tony is an avid supporter of independent music and his Uncut & Unsigned program (Wednesdays 11am-1pm) has provided many opportunities to local and not so local musicians to be interviewed and/or perform live in the studio.  Tony has also contributed to 3MDR as the Music Librarian, writer of music reviews and strategic planning.  3MDR’s volunteer sound engineer, Matt, has already taken over the helm of Uncut & Unsigned and Tony has been joining in on the program that is currently being produced remotely.   Matt is super excited to see the return of live music to the studio!  We wish Tony all the very best and look forward to his “guest” spots on Matt’s Uncut & Unsigned.

3MDR welcomes your feedback on the programming and you can leave a comment or two HERE (link to feedback form)
 
If you’re interested in presenting a program on community radio 3MDR you can apply HERE or get in touch with the Program Manager via programming@3mdr.com     No experience necessary!
 
Thanks for tuning in, we do hope we’ve been able to keep you company during these trying times. 

And if you have been enjoying your local radio station, you can help 3MDR stay on the airwaves during the upcoming Radiothon – Our once a year “hard sell” so to speak.  It all kicks off on Monday 12th October 2020.  Again, stay tuned for all the details.

Since the first lockdown back in March, 3MDR has continued to develop the broadcasting space at Forest Park Homestead.
 
Studio 2 aka The Drawing Room is nearly complete.  3MDR’s long suffering head technician, David has been working away with Ren in wiring the equipment to get the studio ready for broadcasting when we emerge from Stage 4 restrictions.  
 
It’s going to be totally awesome to be able to return more presenters to the studios whilst maintaining physical distancing as we continue to live with covid.
 
The Drawing Room studio has been fitted out with 2 new (2nd hand) turntables, Denon CD players (everyone’s favourite), 3 microphones, telephone interface along with the OTS and PC2 computers.  The old Elan Hawk12 from the Emerald studio has been refurbished and with a new set of locally produced decals it will look spiffy indeed!
 
This will the first time in 3MDR’s 35 year history that a fully functional 2nd studio will be in permanent use.  Gone will be the days of presenters scrambling over each other during “change-over” and having a free studio will allow more time for local and touring musicians to set up for live sessions while presenters on either side of the live session broadcast from The Drawing Room.
 
The second studio will also improve 3MDR’s training capabilities for new and existing presenters, not to mention local groups wishing to participate in the wonderful world of community broadcasting.
 
Other works taking place during the lockdown include a rebuild of the dodgy back deck along with the replacement of some rotting weatherboards and window frames.  These works have been arranged by the school and funded by the Victorian School Building Authority.   3MDR is working with the school and department to attend to the front veranda.  It is fair to say that the funding priorities move in mysterious ways when dealing with government departments.
 
Despite the corona pandemic and restrictions, 3MDR continues to develop the space both on and off the air.

3MDR would like to acknowledge the funding support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation to assist with the development of the broadcast studios at Forest Park Homestead.

Thank You CBF!!!
 
3MDR is pleased to announce it has received some funding support to make the Forest Park Homestead more comfortable throughout the year with a major project.
 
Forest Park Homestead will soon be fitted out with energy efficient heating and cooling units throughout the 9 rooms occupied by 3MDR for the radio station operations.
 
The CBF’s Bright Futures funding was a “one off” opportunity to assist stations with energy efficiency.   We engaged an Energy Foundation consultant to provide recommendations to support the grant application.
 
Along with individually controlled split system heating/cooling units being installed in every room, 3MDR also secured funding to fully insulate the roof space and block the drafts through the chimney’s, doors and windows.

The 3MDR volunteers will be raring to go as soon as Stage 4 and other inhibiting restrictions are lifted to get the insulation into the roof space...just in time for the looming summer months.
 
The aforementioned works will really “Activate The Space” and provide a comfortable environment for everyone who attends the radio station.
 
In addition to the Bright Futures funding the CBF has also provided funds to assist 3MDR with operating and staffing costs.
 
For more information about the CBF and how it supports the sector, visit https://cbf.org.au/

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Angelo Mazzone.

Angelo was a much loved contributor to 3MDR as presenter of the weekly Italian Show.

Unfortunately Angelo had been unwell and unable to attend the studio to present his wonderful program since December last year.   We all hoped that he would be back in the studio early in the year, then the covid19 pandemic took hold around the world.  Italy was one of the hardest hit countries in the early stages of the pandemic and it was a shame Angelo couldn’t be on the airwaves to communicate with the local and not so local Italian community.

After undergoing some surgery in late May, Angelo went home from hospital and passed away at home with his family by his side on Monday 1st June, just days after his 87th Birthday

It was always a pleasure catching up with Angelo at the station as he prepared to present his weekly show featuring fine Italian opera music between his sport, weather, natural therapy and community news segments.   

Angelo’s broadcasting experience was extensive, starting out at SBS before joining 3MDR some 16 years ago and continuing to serve the Italian community of the Dandenong Ranges and beyond through the community radio airwaves on 97.1FM.

Angelo’s fabulous charm and smile always brightened the day for the office staff and volunteers at 3MDR.  And those wonderful tunes coming from the studio speakers were a weekly highlight.

At the request of Angelo’s family, former 3MDR President, Robert Gearon, will be presenting a tribute show to Angelo this Thursday 3pm 18th June in the Italian Show timeslot.

The 3MDR family extends sincere condolences to Angelo’s family, friends and loyal listeners.

Riposi in Pace

https://lafiamma.com.au/obituaries/angelo-mazzone-50061/#

The following message was posted by Graham Beal, who's show followed Angelo's on a Thursday evenings for many years:
"I was very sad to hear of the recent passing of Angelo Mazzone, presenter of the popular Italian Show which preceded my show on radio 3mdr.  He was a true gentleman and was always charming to my lady guests.  He loved opera and often played this by Verdi at the end of his show which always put me in a nice relaxed mood. Valé Angelo."

Major 3MDR Partner Bendigo Bank, is keen to help support your business through the maze of what's available to you in the current COVID-19 environment:
​
If you need some extra support from us right now, we’re here to help. 
Financial help
We offer a range of financial assistance for you and your business which can include:

• Business support loans
• JobKeeper payment support
• Relief from business and home loan repayments for up to six months
• Waiving of merchant terminal rental fees for three months
• No interest rate reduction for early term deposit withdrawals

Talk to your Branch Manager or visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage for more information.