Alan Collier has been involved with the local radio station for about 17 years.
Mr Collier is a good example of how Yarra Valley FM can produce veteran radio presenters through its training program and the opportunities it provides.
The Yarra Valley FM product hosts three radio programs at Yarra Valley FM: Music, Memories and More between 12pm and 3pm every second Sunday, The Rock and Roll Hit Parade from 6pm to 8pm on Sundays, and Community Connections between 12pm and 3pm on Wednesdays.
“I invite local groups or local organisations for an hour (in the Community Connections). We play a little bit of music, but we’re here mainly to connect the community to other groups,” Mr Collier said.
“We’ve had one phone call from someone who’s lived in the area for 25 years and didn’t know some of the groups that I’ve interviewed even existed.
“I play music and tell a bit about artists and all that sort of stuff (in the other two shows). They are mainly aimed at the baby boomer generation.”
His adventure as a radio presenter started when he received a special Christmas gift from his children.
“I’ve always had an interest in radio since I was a kid. I’d always wanted to be involved in radio, but in the early days, there was no community radio,” the radio presenter said.
“In 2006, a couple of my kids bought me a radio presenter training course run by Yarra Valley FM (at the time) for a Christmas present because I’d already told them about how much I like radio.
“I was really chuffed, I did the course, they offered me a show, and I’ve stayed here ever since.”
In the six-week training course, Mr Collier learnt about the knowledge and skills that a radio presenter must know, like libels, ethics and how to use the radio broadcasting equipment.
Mr Collier said community radio has a great future.
“I’ve done some readings, and they say, ‘One of the biggest killers in the future is going to be loneliness.’ and there are a lot of research that we’re the most connected we’ve ever been through iPads and iPhones and all that, but people are very lonely in their homes particularly if one of the partners dies,” the radio presenter said.
“Community Connections is about trying to get people off the couch and into groups.
“I’ve probably done 700 interviews now, and so I know that those sorts of things have changed people’s lives. I don’t say I’m any good at doing that, but I’m just saying that the fact that we talked the people into doing something has saved their lives, and I can guarantee that.”
You can listen to three of Mr Collier’s radio programs at yarravalleyfm.org.au/listen.html or 99.1 on your FM dial.
