Our History
From a small weekend broadcast in 1994 to Australia's first Community Radio Emergency Broadcaster.
UGFM Community Radio has been the voice of the Murrindindi region for over 30 years. What began as a small weekend broadcast has grown into a vital community service, recognized nationally for our role in emergency broadcasting during the devastating Black Saturday bushfires of 2009.
Our Journey
The Beginning
First low power, mono transmission took place on 98.9 MHz in Alexandra with weekend-only broadcasts from Friday 7am to Sunday midnight.
Expansion
Service expanded with a new mountain transmitter site overlooking Lake Eildon. Upgraded to stereo signal.
Full-Time License
Granted full-time temporary license. Frequency changed to 106.9 MHz.
Permanent License
Received permanent full-time license in October. Officially branded as "Radio Murrindindi".
Regional Growth
Supplementary transmitters established in Yea (88.9 MHz) and Marysville (98.5 MHz), extending coverage across the region.
Studio Upgrade
Alexandra studio building underwent major refurbishment.
Flowerdale Transmitter
Additional transmitter approved for Flowerdale/Hazeldene on 98.9 MHz with funding from the Community Broadcasting Foundation.
Black Saturday & National Recognition
Played a critical role during the February 7 bushfires affecting 40% of Murrindindi Shire. Received the coveted Tony Staley Award for Broadcast Excellence at the Community Broadcast Association conference.
Australia's First Emergency Broadcaster
Victorian State Government signed MOU recognizing UGFM as "Australia's first Community Radio Emergency Broadcaster".
New Marysville Studio
Marysville studio moved to purpose-built facilities within MiRA (Visitor Information Centre). Kinglake temporary broadcast license (94.5 MHz) handed to new community station KRR.
Emergency Power Systems
Emergency power generators commissioned at key transmitter sites. Prime Minister visited Flowerdale.
National Emergency Medal
UGFM broadcasters awarded National Emergency Medal for service during the 2009 bushfires.
Kinglake Integration
Kinglake Ranges Radio folded and studio integrated into UGFM programming.
Yea Studio Opens
Studio established at Yea Railway Station. Officially opened by Cathy McGowan AO MP for Indi. David Fitzroy awarded first Life Membership.
New Transmitters
Emergency Management Victoria provided new transmitters for fire-affected areas. New RDS-enabled transmitters installed. Kinglake Ranges and Flowerdale formally included in UGFM's overall license plan.
Outside Broadcast Unit
Kinglake studio relocated to St Peters Anglican Church location. New Ford Transit outside broadcast unit commissioned.
Technology Upgrades
Emergency Management Victoria and FRRR assisted with computer systems and emergency broadcasting console upgrades. New Outside Broadcast Unit unveiled.
Serving the Community
UGFM continues to serve the Murrindindi region with over 45 volunteer presenters broadcasting from four studio locations across five FM frequencies.
Black Saturday & Emergency Broadcasting
On February 7, 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires devastated Victoria. The Murrindindi Shire was severely impacted, with over 1,100 homes destroyed and tragic loss of life. UGFM lost transmission equipment near Marysville and at Flowerdale, but our dedicated volunteers worked around the clock to maintain broadcasts.
Our presenters provided vital emergency information, helping coordinate evacuations and keep the community informed during the crisis. Many worked very long shifts day and night during the emergency period.
In recognition of this service, UGFM received the prestigious Tony Staley Award for Broadcast Excellence in 2009. The following year, the Victorian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding making UGFM Australia's first Community Radio Emergency Broadcaster.
In 2013, our broadcasters were awarded the National Emergency Medal for their service during the fires. This recognition reflects the vital role community radio plays in emergency management and the dedication of our volunteers.
Our Coverage Area
Today, UGFM serves a vast area of regional Victoria, from the Strathbogie Ranges in the north to Kinglake and Hazeldene in the south. Our coverage includes the Upper Goulburn region, portions of the Yarra Valley, Marysville, Lake Mountain, and the high country east of Lake Eildon.
Communities We Serve
Our Broadcasters & Events
Click on any image to view in full size