Meet CBAA – Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
April 29th, 2026
Tell us about the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA). What is your mission?
The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) is the peak body for community broadcasters. We support and champion the sector across Australia.
Our mission is to build strong, sustainable community broadcasters, across both radio and television, by providing essential services, advocacy and support. We work to ensure community broadcasting remains a vibrant and vital part of Australia’s media landscape, enriching the nation’s social and cultural fabric.
What are your programs and initiatives, and why do you run them?
CBAA represents more than 300 members, covering around 90 per cent of Australia’s community radio licensees.
We work collaboratively with stations and stakeholders to set the strategic direction for the sector and deliver on its purpose for the communities it serves.
Our members benefit from a range of services designed to strengthen and enhance their broadcasting capabilities, guided by our Member and Stakeholder Engagement Framework.
How do you involve volunteers in your programs?
Volunteers are essential to community broadcasting, with more than 18,000 people contributing their time and skills to support stations and their communities.
Without volunteers, it would not be possible to sustain Australia’s 500+ services or reach the 5.4 million people who tune in each week.
How do your volunteers make a difference in the community?
Volunteers are at the heart of community broadcasting. They create content, support operations and keep stations closely connected to their communities.
Across NSW, more than 4.9 million people volunteer each year, contributing over 1.3 billion hours. This represents an estimated $205.3 billion in economic and social value.
Community broadcasting is Australia’s largest independent media sector and a vital part of the national media landscape. It is globally recognised as a leading example of grassroots media, thriving on diversity, local voices and community connection.
Do you have any stories from your volunteers?
Our volunteers are passionate advocates for community broadcasting.
Alex Nagl, Member Success Specialist for CBAA’s digital and online services, says volunteering “has been kind of addictive,” giving him the opportunity to teach, share knowledge and connect with diverse audiences.
Beth Tracey, Drive presenter at Sydney’s 2SER, shares: “If the incredible music and grassroots journalism weren’t enough, it’s the people and friendships that make it a home away from home.”
Vader Fame from PBS FM adds: “Community radio feels like home… it’s a space where creativity, community and care exist together. It feels like a living archive and a future at the same time.”
What resources and services have supported your volunteer involvement?
We’ve partnered with The Centre for Volunteering to provide personalised guidance and expert advice on effective volunteer management.
We are also very grateful to The Centre for sponsoring two categories of our 2025 Community Broadcasting Awards: The Jane Browning Award – Outstanding Volunteer Contribution and the Outstanding Youth Contribution.
We launched our 2026 Community Broadcasting Awards on 27 April and we also support the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, which recognise the vital role volunteers play across all sectors, including in community radio broadcasting.
Why did your organisation become a member of The Centre for Volunteering?
Through our partnership with The Centre for Volunteering, the peak body for volunteering in NSW, we offer a volunteer management advice service for community broadcasters.
This program provides CBAA members with a complimentary one-hour phone consultation with a professional Centre for Volunteering, volunteer manager who offers tailored insights to strengthen volunteer engagement and management practices.
What have you learnt about the value of volunteering and volunteer management?
Volunteers are the backbone of community broadcasting, bringing passion, dedication and diverse skills. Effective volunteer management ensures people feel valued and supported, creating a positive environment and a strong, sustainable future for stations.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Volunteers are at the heart of community broadcasting – creating content, supporting operations and connecting communities.
