Volunteer Story Celebration 2025 - Coast Access Radio

Coast Access Radio is basically run by volunteers. Both live-to-air and recorded programmes are almost all created by volunteers, and the technical aspect of the programmes are also run by volunteers. There are just three staff - one full-time and two part-time.
The station had five staff until the Christmas/New Year 2024/2025 period when all but one of the staff left. The programme manager, Catherine, took on the extra role of station manager, and the regular volunteers rallied around and helped her in every way. Catherine says she would have had to lock the doors and walk away if it wasn't for the volunteers giving their time so generously.

Through the programmes they create and the morning shows they run, the volunteers have a lot of ownership in the radio station. Some of them have been doing their shows for many years. We have one technician that has been volunteering every week for 20 years.
Due to the way the programmes are recorded, the volunteers rarely meet each other. However, they all have a common goal of making Coast Access Radio the very best it can be and a true reflection of the community.