Thanks for attending the CBAA Conference 2019

CBAA Conference 2019 was held in Melbourne from 24-27 October and featured an inspiring and eclectic program.

Delegates enjoyed all the aspects of Conference, from the station visits to 3CR, SYN Media and JOY 94.9 on the Thursday afternoon followed by the Conference Kickstarter in Federation Square through to the many and varied workshops held over the weekend. Capping it all off, the incredible Community Radio Awards Gala Dinner that recognise excellence in the community broadcasting sector.

The program kicked off in excellent fashion with keynote presentation by Professor Peter Greste on the recent AFP raids on Australian journalists an what this means for community broadcasting. Peter also shared his experience of being arrested in Egypt along with two colleagues in 2013, where they were convicted of spreading false news and aiding the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Radio Futurist, James Cridland, spoke on the future delivery of radio services. James was overwhelmingly positive about radio whilst giving pause for thought about the past, present and future of the medium and delivered a session that was both researched and entertaining, even sharing with us an interview with Sir Paul McCartney on how he finds new music (spoiler alert: the radio!)

Triple R Breakfasters presenter Geraldine Hickey gave a thought-provoking session on her history as a broadcaster, the camaraderie of community radio and the same-sex marriage vote sharing how her community radio colleagues rallied around her and provided support during this difficult time.

Our workshop program was themed Captivate, Lead, Create and Influence - informing and eductaing delegates with presentations  encouraging and advocating station support, governance and leadership, fundraising and partnership building. Our MediaLab stream, powered by the CMTO, offered broadcasting troubleshooting advice and DAB + digital radio service and program information.

APRA AMCOS Ambassador Mick Thomas closed out the formal portion of the program with a live performance of classic tracks by Weddings Parties Anything, including , Father's Day.

The CBAA thanks all those members and companions who attended this year's conference. We look forward to seeing you in 2020.

Top row from left: Professor Peter Greste, Geraldine Hickey

Bottom row from left: James Cridland and Amrap's Andrew Khedoori 'in conversation' with Mick Thomas

Illustration: Christine Marshall, broadcaster at Wangki Radio