Able Radio is a weekly magazine-style radio program presented and produced by people with disability on 94.9 MainFM, based in Castlemaine on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Able Radio explores diverse topics and stories about living with disability, life in regional Victoria, as well as film, art, music, sport, advocacy and matters of human rights. The program aims to challenge ableist ideas and views in the community, and support increasing opportunities for participation. In 2020, Able Radio won the Silver Rogie award at the MainFM Annual Awards.
With the challenges that have come with COVID in recent years, the program has had to adjust their show significantly on multiple occasions but have been able to champion through in their creative development of new engaging content.
Able Radio was the recipient of our Round 1 Content Grant 2021/22. CBF funding supported content production wages and program manager wages, as well as the delivery of training via CMTO for new disability support workers to support the presenters. The completion of CMTO training in October 2022 saw the recruitment of five new disability support workers (DSWs) for the program, with further recruitment of more DSWs soon.
With invaluable support from the Windarring disability support centre, the MainFM community and the wider Mount Alexander Shire community, Able Radio continues to thrive with improved diversity of programming and increased listenership and subscribership. The program has also played an important role for individuals involved in lifting confidence, fostering a sense of self-worth, increasing skills and supporting a greater sense of involvement in the community.
Able Radio airs every Friday from 1.00pm – 3.00pm on 94.9 MainFM and is also available on demand via MixCloud.
Photo: Able Radio presenters Glenn Williams and Braydon Courtney with guest in studio at MainFM.