The Co-operative is run by an elected Board of Directors, who meet every month to make decisions about the operation and direction of your radio station.
Chair & Audience Development
Sonia de Freitas serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Eastside Radio 89.7FM, where she provides strategic leadership and oversight for the station’s operations and community engagement. Beyond her executive role, she is a dedicated contributor to the station’s cultural output, notably producing the CBAA-nominated program Shout Sister Shout, which highlights the stories of women in the Australian music industry.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Sarah Gilbert is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for Eastside Radio 89.7FM, where she plays a vital role in maintaining the station’s governance and administrative integrity. In her capacity overseeing Philanthropy & Advocacy, she leverages her extensive background as a writer and researcher to strengthen the station’s community partnerships and secure the support necessary to champion local independent media.
Treasurer
Jonathan Benjamin serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Eastside Radio 89.7FM, where he oversees the station’s financial health and fiscal responsibility. Drawing on his expertise in finance, he ensures that the community-funded organisation maintains transparent accounting practices and sustainable budgetary management to support its ongoing broadcasting mission.
Fundraising & Events
Amy Curl is a member of the Board of Directors for Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, where she utilises her extensive background in arts management to oversee the station’s fundraising and events strategy. An experienced music industry specialist she brings over 20 years of leadership experience to the board to help sustain the station’s commitment to jazz and cultural broadcasting.
Digital Marketing
Bernhard Schmitz serves as a member on the Eastside Radio Board, where he utilises his expertise in digital marketing to enhance the station’s online presence and audience growth. As the co-host of Sounds of Soul alongside Prince Mikey, he is dedicated to digging deep into the genre to showcase rare tracks and contemporary gems that go far beyond the standard soul classics.
Technology
Derryn Webster is a member of the Board of Directors at Eastside Radio 89.7FM, where he serves as a specialist lead in Technology. Leveraging his extensive background as a senior technology executive and consultant, he provides critical oversight for the station’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management systems.
Endowment
Amma Owusu serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Eastside Radio 89.7FM, where she specifically oversees the Endowment portfolio. In addition to her governance role, she is a familiar voice on the airwaves as “The Duchess,” co-presenting Bambu Hut on Saturday afternoons to showcase a vibrant range of world and popular music.
Staff
The staff of Eastside Radio look after the day to day operations of the station including supporting the 90 shows that are live on air every week.
Managing Director
Tony Smythe is the Managing Director of Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, where he leads the station’s strategic operations and fosters its identity as a premier community radio station. Under his leadership, the station has focused on expanding its listener engagement and maintaining its vital role in supporting Sydney’s local arts and music scenes.
Digital Marketing
Lyndon Pike manages digital marketing and social media for Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, leveraging his deep roots in the music industry and media production to enhance the station’s online presence. His role focuses on crafting engaging digital content and community outreach strategies that connect Sydney’s vibrant arts scene with the station’s diverse listening audience.
Music Manager
Jim Gilbert serves as the Music Managers for Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, where they are responsible for curating the station’s eclectic soundscape and managing its extensive music library. Together, they work closely with presenters and local artists to ensure the broadcast reflects a high-quality selection of jazz, world, and specialist music.
Digital Technologist
Nick La Rosa is the longstanding Digital Technologist for Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, where he oversees the station’s technical infrastructure and ensures the seamless delivery of digital broadcasts. His expertise is instrumental in managing the station’s online streaming platforms and implementing innovative technology to improve the listening experience for the community.
Live Recordist & Sound Engineer
Paula Punch is the Live Recordist and Sound Engineer for Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, where she applies her technical expertise to capture high-quality live performances and studio broadcasts. Outside of her technical role, she is a seasoned singer-songwriter, bringing a professional musician’s ear to the station’s audio production and sound management.
Chair Programming Committee
Jacqueline D’Warte serves as the Chair of the Programming Committee for Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, where she leads the strategic direction of the station’s on-air content and diverse specialist programs. Drawing on her extensive background as an Associate Professor in education, she brings a focus on community engagement and cultural diversity to ensure the station’s lineup remains representative and vibrant.
Training & Induction
Anna Kamaralli coordinates Training and Induction for Eastside Radio 89.7 FM, where she prepares new volunteers and presenters to navigate the station’s technical and broadcasting standards. As an academic and theatre professional with a background in Shakespearean studies, she brings a wealth of communication expertise to her role in mentoring the next generation of community broadcasters.
