Ian joined the CBF as CEO exactly 20 years ago today. And today we bid him farewell, as he formally begins his retirement.
Ian has dedicated his life to community broadcasting, having worked in the sector for almost 40 years. He began as a volunteer broadcaster at Melbourne’s 3PBS when he was still at university and was invited to visit the station by the presenter of an Australian music program. A few years later, he became the station’s first employee and Station Manager.
Ian subsequently worked at Ballarat’s 3BBB (now known as Voice FM) where he devised a training program for long-term unemployed people. He then moved to 2MCE in Bathurst and was instrumental in establishing the community broadcasting sector’s National Radio News (NRN) service.
He served on the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia‘s (CBAA) National Committee, is a past President of the Community Broadcasting Association of Victoria and was Secretary of the Northern NSW Community Media Association.
During his time at the CBF, Ian has been a fierce champion for the guiding principles of community broadcasting, always maintaining the highest levels of integrity and accountability to ensure the sector receives the best value from government funding. He completely transformed the way CBF grants are managed through the introduction of online grant applications and the implementation of a new funding structure and governance model.
In 2017, Ian won the CBAA Michael Law Award for his significant contribution to community broadcasting.
Ian’s considerable legacy will continue to benefit the many thousands of community broadcasters whose commitment to diversity, social justice, and access to information and artistic endeavour is expressed daily on stations across Australia.
“Community broadcasting is one of the most important resources within our society. It builds connections at so many levels – individually, organisationally, as well as within and across communities. It’s all about belonging.” – Ian Stanistreet
Ian will undoubtedly continue to contribute his wisdom, knowledge and passion for a sector that he has made his life’s work. He expects to remain in the sector as a volunteer and may even be tempted to get back behind a microphone one day!