2Max FM hosts annual general meeting

Members and interested community members were invited to attend the annual general meeting at 2Max FM studios on the evening of Monday, November 22.

President, Anthony Welchman, chaired the meeting, opening with the minutes of the 2020 annual general meeting.

Once they were read and adopted, he delivered the president’s report.

In the report, Mr Welchman thanked the hard-working team for its commitment to the radio station amid the ongoing pandemic.

“I would like to thank all volunteers for following the regulations concerning safe working practices,” he said.

“We would not have been able to continue to work without these regulations in place.

“Hopefully restrictions will ease in the coming months, but we ask all volunteers continue to follow the current rules at this time.”

Mr Welchman then spoke about the progress 2Max FM has made over the last 12 months, including plans to install new equipment to make transmission more reliable.

“Unfortunately, our transmitting antenna at Mt Dowe sustained an ice fall in August and we are currently using a temporary aerial,” he explained.

“We are currently awaiting quotations and design work, which will include an ice shield to better protect the antenna.

“We will also be replacing the receiving link antenna to Mt Dowe while work is carried out there.”

Mr Welchman also spoke about the radio station’s presenters, including those who have recently joined and some who have been farewelled.

“We have welcomed three new presenters over the last year,” he said.

“Gemma Ferguson on Monday nights from 6pm to 8pm, Katie Polsini from 4pm to 6pm on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, and Rob Edge who presented from December 2020 to August 2021 but sadly had to leave as he accepted a promotion in his job.

“Farewell to John Westerndorf who has relocated, but thank you to him for continuing to provide mp3 audio editions of his Sunday night program.

“We also have one new member, Tanya McDonald, who is currently training in production.

“We are continuing to welcome new members and presenters, any interested locals should get in touch with Cassie or a member of the executive team.”

Mr Welchman wrapped up his report with a thank you to volunteers, presenters and the executive.

“I would like to thank you all, without your passion and commitment there would be no community radio station,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone who has put themselves forward for positions on the committee.

“Thank you to our hard-working executive team, Sue, Marg and Jeff.

“And a special thank you to station manager, Cassie, who is always bright and cheerful – she is always willing to give her time to help anyone who may have a problem.”

Marg Hallett followed with her treasurer’s report.

She mentioned a drop in income, due to the ongoing pandemic, as well as exciting opportunities made possible thanks to funding from grants.

The treasurer’s report concluded with a thank you to the committee, announcers, members and Cassie.

The station manager’s report was the final statement delivered at the annual general meeting.

Mrs Boyd opened by thanking the team.

“Without the effort you put in, we would not have such a great radio station,” she said.

“While COVID challenged us, we were able to remain on air and work safely with restrictions in place.”

Mrs Boyd spoke about the interviews 2Max FM have been able to conduct this year, with subjects such as Inspector Robert Dunn of the Narrabri Police, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, Member for Barwon Roy Butler and general manager of Narrabri Shire Council Stewart Todd.

She said, “these were essential to inform the community on what was happening across the shire.”

The station manager also spoke about funding, including eight successful grants totalling over $43,000.

“We also had 118 financial members this year, 27 of them are new from our previous year,” Mrs Boyd said.

“On top of that, we managed to raise $2146 for the Cancer Council through our Biggest Morning Tea.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped me over the past 12 months.”

After the reports, nominations were shared and office bearer positions were filled.

Anthony Welchman, Jeff Cloake, Sue Solomon and Marg Hallett once again took on the roles of president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.

Six committee people were also elected, including one new member, Brenda Davis.