SUPPORTED BY SOUND NSW & THE NSW GOVERNMENT

Eastside Radio 89.7FM has been a vibrant part of the community for more than 40 years, training passionate program makers, producers, and presenters since 1983. As we look toward 2030 and beyond, we are incredibly excited to enter a new chapter focused on nurturing the next wave of media talent. Our mission is to build on this rich legacy by creating a supportive space where anyone with a love for music and storytelling can find their voice and develop the skills they need to thrive.

To make our training more accessible, we are shifting from quarterly intakes to a fresh volunteer round every single month. This big move allows us to welcome and train more than 120 people each year, significantly growing our community of content creators. By accelerating this process, we aim to provide even more resources to the station and ensure that every participant receives the high-quality, hands-on guidance they deserve.

We truly believe there is a place for everyone at Eastside Radio, whether you are a university student starting your professional journey, an adult looking for a meaningful career change, or a high schooler eager to explore the world of media. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and nurturing, helping to bridge the gap for aspiring professionals and providing a creative outlet for those who simply want to give back to their community.

Our learning objectives are focused on giving you real, practical skills that matter in today’s media landscape. You’ll have the chance to develop technical proficiency with professional broadcasting equipment, gain confidence through live programming, and master the art of storytelling across radio, podcasting, and digital media. It’s all about collaborative projects and real-world activities that build your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Through our specialised learning pathways, you can choose the journey that suits you best, from foundational technical training to immersive “on-the-job” experiences. We even have dedicated on air opportunities which are produced and presented entirely by high school students during work experience and opportunities to be mentored by our award-winning presenters. This hands-on approach ensures you aren’t just learning the theory – you’re actually making radio.

The results of our program speak for themselves, with many of our former volunteers and presenters at the ABC, 2GB, major music labels, arts organisations or heading their own creative companies. We invite you to join us at Eastside Radio where you can build your portfolio, make lasting connections and become part of the ‘Next Generation’ of great broadcasters.

CLICK HERE TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER AT EASTSIDE RADIO

My time at Eastside Radio has been an incredibly special chapter of my journey. Coming to Sydney from Germany as a media and journalism student, I didn’t just gain hands-on radio experience, I became part of a community. From the very first day, I was welcomed with so much warmth, openness, and genuine interest, which made settling in so easy and special. The station gave me the freedom to be authentic, to experiment, and to trust my own voice.

Hosting my own late-night show allowed me to grow more confident behind the microphone and to tell personal stories through music, while learning about live broadcasting, production, and the value of community radio. But what I will remember most are the people, their kindness, creativity, and passion for what they do. Eastside Radio gave me a place where I felt supported, inspired, and encouraged to trust my own voice, and I’m deeply grateful for everyone who made this experience what it was.

– Carolin

I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me this opportunity. I have loved every part of the last 3 months as an Intern. And I will sincerely miss it.

I have learnt so much about myself, my goals, the radio and so much more while being there. I have met amazing people who have taught me and inspired me.

Thank you for giving me responsibilities, for trusting me and for offering me my own show, I have absolutely loved this experience and I am so excited to see where all the knowledge I have gained and the people I have met will take me.

Everyone at Eastside has been kind, generous and patient with me and I am so grateful. So thank you from the bottom of my heart, once again.