Westsider Radio is aiming to be the authentic voice of Melbourne’s western region.
AND YOU CAN HELP US GET THERE!
Applications for shows are open and close 13 March.
After trialing content in our new studio, we’re now calling on our fellow Westies to create radio programs that will engage, connect and enrich the people of our diverse region.
Browse the topics below for more information before you submit an application.
We want to share with listeners the many creative endeavours and grass roots initiatives happening locally.
- Are you interested in telling the stories of the people, lands and waterways of the west, past and present?
- Do you want to see the west’s creative community – its musicians, artisans, writers, actors, designers, producers and DJs – given a place to spotlight their magic?
- Do you want to lead community based, solutions focused discussions on the issues that affect us all?
Help us to build that place and tell those stories here.
When assessing applications, the selection panel will consider the following:
- Will this show bring a strong focus on matters relevant to the western region of Melbourne?
- Will this show promote the creativity and energy of the people of the west?
- Will this show contribute to building community connectedness and resilience?
- Will this show assist Westsider Radio to broaden its audience?
- Will this show result in new voices, music and ideas being heard on Westsider Radio?
- Will this show be technically and programmatically feasible?
Please note – no one show is expected to be everything to everyone – think of it as a rich tapestry of Melbourne’s west that you’ll be contributing to.
Important dates
- 20 February – applications open
- 13 March – applications close
- Mid April – results of the selection process communicated with applicants
- 1 June – programs ready for scheduling and broadcasting (or sooner if ready)
Show hosts and creators are asked to commit to developing their shows through to the end of November 2026, whether it’s scheduled to run weekly, fortnightly or monthly, as a short series or a one-off. For our second season starting December 2026 you will be invited ahead of time to extend your show, pause it for a time, or retire it altogether.
For this intake, your program will be prerecorded while we continue to develop our technical capacities for live and outside broadcasts.
You will need to complete the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice course: Understanding the Codes of Practice If you have already completed the course, we will ask that you please provide evidence of having done so. We will also ask that you familiarise yourself with the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance Code of Ethics. and the Westsider Radio media law basics.
We can provide beginner level training in creating a radio show or podcast, and show you how to use the studio equipment.
If you don’t have experience hosting or producing a radio show, worry not, we’ll happily provide training.
If you do have some radio experience but would like to extend your skills, we have the folks to help you out.
If you are an experienced audio content creator, great. You’ll quickly find your home at Westsider Radio. We’d love to hear about your work.
It might be that you’ve got an idea for a show but you’re not sure if it’ll work. Or perhaps you’d like to do on-air announcing but you’re not sure what that might be. Then contact us, and let’s talk about it before filling in an application form.
The western region means all those places west of the Maribyrnong River that sit on the ancient lands of the Wurundgeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples. That’s Footscray to Melton, from there down south to Werribee and back via Hobsons Bay.
Our radio studio is in Yarraville at Kindred Studios.
Yes our studio is accessible for people with disabilities.