We’re excited to announce the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Media & Arts Awards.

These awards celebrate the vision, creativity, skill and dedication of individuals and organisations using media and the arts to make a meaningful impact.

This year we received a huge number of excellent nominations, showcasing the breadth and quality of work happening across our sector. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who made a submission.

Across this year’s categories, our finalists represent outstanding work in innovation, leadership, audio, social media, screen and more.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 finalists.

Innovation in Mission Resourcing

Celebrating creative ideas that strengthen mission.

Finalists:

Op till You Drop Community Market
Life FM

Localise Educate Prevent Toward Zero Road Safety Campaign
Ultra106five

Beacon Award, Large Market

Recognising organisations leading with purpose and impact.

Finalists:

PositiveMedia’s Impact Index
PositiveMedia Ltd.

Rise 96.5 Anzac Day Annual Service
Rise 96.5

Beacon Award, Small Market

Celebrating small organisations making a big impact.

Finalists:

Find Yourself In Church 2026
Rhema FM Newcastle

Valley Worship AUSTRALIA: Collaborative Community of Audio and Visual Artists
Valley Worship AUSTRALIA

Remarkable Contribution

Honouring exceptional service and dedication.

Finalists:

Syndicated Radio Shows
PositiveMedia Ltd.

Samantha Willan: Heart for the Homeless
Sonshine FM (Perth)

Emerging Talent

Celebrating fresh voices with real promise.

Finalists:

The Iris and Joe Show on Rise 96.5
Rise 96.5

Doug Townsend: Sonshine 98.5FM
Sonshine (98.5FM)

Compelling Content, Audio

Celebrating audio that inspires and connects.

Finalists:

The Crazy Kiwi Christmas Kids Show
Christian Broadcasting Association

Lucy & Kel’s Show 3,000
PositiveMedia Ltd.

Compelling Content, Social Media

Recognising digital storytelling that engages and inspires.

Finalists:

Celebrating One Million
Alpha Australia

Faith in the Feed: Using Social Media to Point People to Jesus
Rhema 99.7 Newcastle

Compelling Content, Screen: Documentary, Entertainment, Factual & Learning

Celebrating powerful storytelling brought to screen.

Finalists:

My Greatest Victory
Adventist Media

What's Your Everest?
Rhema Media NZ

Congratulations to Our Finalists

Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the creativity, commitment and excellence happening across Christian media and the arts.

Congratulations to every individual, team and organisation recognised this year. We look forward to celebrating the finalists and revealing the 2026 award recipients.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA AWARDS DINNER ON THE 15th of SEPTEMBER

Focus on the Family Australia

Family Champions Program

Location: Remote, from home, with some local church visits and occasional national travel.

Employment type: Permanent part-time 0.4 FTE (2 days per week equivalent)

Salary: Ministry-related salary, commensurate with experience.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the Organisation

Focus on the Family Australia (FOTFA) is a nationally recognised and respected Christian ministry dedicated to strengthening marriages and equipping parents and engaging in culture through partnerships with churches and Christian schools and the broader community, through biblical principles. Our mission is to make Christ known as we strengthen relationships in Australian families, helping build a legacy of God-honouring families across our nation.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and relationally gifted Church Partnerships Coordinator to take over and grow our established Family Champions program: a nationwide network of volunteer, church-based advocates who represent Focus on the Family Australia by promoting our resources, praying for and encouraging marriages and families to apply biblical principles to their relationships.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build on the strong foundations of an existing program, with a bold vision of growing our network to hundreds of Family Champions across churches throughout Australia. The successful candidate will identify, recruit, train and support these volunteer representatives, ensuring they feel equipped, connected and confident as ambassadors for God-honouring families in their community.

This role will also be the go-to point person for other volunteers such as those who help connect with our supporters and other office tasks.

Key Responsibilities

1.        Recruit Family Champions

·      Develop and implement a comprehensive recruitment and training strategy for Family Champions, the volunteer church-based representatives and advocates of Focus on the Family Australia, our programs and resources.

·      Identify, promote and onboard new volunteer Family Champions, activating them as representatives of FOTFA within their local church or school communities.

·      Educate volunteer advocates on the vision, mission, values and brand of Focus on the Family Australia.

2.        Equip and Support Family Champions

·      Maintain regular contact with Family Champions, providing updates on events, resources and campaigns, and ensuring brand consistency.

·      Foster a sense of community and belonging among volunteers within the ministry.

·      Encourage Family Champions to share their experiences and insights to continuously improve the program.

·      Respond to questions, concerns and feedback from volunteers in a timely and respectful manner.

3.        Manage Data and Reporting

·      Maintain accurate records of Family Champions’ information, activities and evaluations in our Salesforce CRM.

·      Generate reports on the progress and impact of the Family Champions program.

4.        Support Other FOTFA Volunteers

·      Act as the central point of contact for other FOTFA volunteers, including those making supporter thank you calls or assisting with office tasks.

Qualifications

Experience

·      Experience coordinating, recruiting or supporting volunteers, ideally within a church or ministry context, is highly advantageous.

·      A background in pastoral care, church ministry or community engagement is desirable.

·      Current Working With Children Check (WWCC), or willingness to obtain one.

Required Skills and Competencies

·      Excellent relational, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and mobilise volunteers.

·      Strong organisational skills; detail orientated, able to multi-task and remain flexible across role responsibilities.

·      Self-motivated, with demonstrated responsibility maturity, integrity and dependability.

·      Familiar with Microsoft 365, Canva, Salesforce, Campaign Monitor or similar.

Personal Qualities and Faith Commitment

·      A committed follower of Jesus Christ, actively involved in a local church.

·      Willingness to affirm and adhere to the Statement of Faith and Branding Guidelines of Focus on the Family Australia.

·      A genuine passion for God-honouring families and relationships, evidenced in your own marriage and family life.

·      A warm, humble and encouraging nature, with a heart for building relationships within the local church.

Why This Role Matters

This role sits at the heart of Focus on the Family Australia’s growth strategy. Many churches and families across Australia are not yet aware of the resources available to help them thrive in Christ in their marriages and family relationships. Family Champions are our grassroots solution to increase awareness and impact of our resources in local churches and Christian schools.

As Church Partnerships Coordinator you will play a pivotal role in continuing to grow a nationwide movement of hundreds of Family Champions in churches, deepening engagement with our resources and helping to see stronger, more Christ-centred marriages and families across Australia.

Application

Applications close 5pm Friday 18 September 2026. Apply early as applications will be reviewed and assessed as they are received.

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter (maximum two pages) and resume (maximum three pages) to our Chief Operating Officer, Josh Reid, at josh@families.org.au.

Every year, Australians gather at Parliament House in Canberra to pray for our nation, our communities and those who lead them.

On Monday 26 October, the Australian National Prayer Breakfast will once again bring people together in prayer, and this year churches, schools, workplaces and ministries across the country are invited to be part of it.

Find out more, access resources and register at www.nationalprayerbreakfast.org.

Bring the National Prayer Breakfast to Your Community

You don't need to be in Canberra to take part.

Communities across Australia are encouraged to host their own National Prayer Breakfast gathering, bringing people together locally while joining a much bigger national moment of prayer.

Whether it's a breakfast at your church, a gathering with colleagues at work, a school community or a ministry team, hosting can be as simple or as large as suits your community.

Resources are available to help you plan your gathering and make it easy to get involved.

Join the Livestream From Parliament House

The National Prayer Breakfast will also be streamed live from Parliament House in Canberra, giving Australians across the country the opportunity to join together in prayer.

This year's keynote speaker, Amy Brown, will share her story of faith, resilience and hope.

After experiencing intense public scrutiny, the loss of a career she loved and an uncertain future, Amy will speak about the role her Christian faith played through an extraordinarily challenging season.

What happens when your faith is tested in full public view?

Her story will form part of a morning dedicated to praying for Australia, its leaders and its future.

One Morning. Hundreds of Communities. One Nation in Prayer.

The Australian National Prayer Breakfast is an opportunity to pause, gather and pray alongside people across the country.

Host a gathering in your community or register to watch the livestream on Monday 26 October.

Visit www.nationalprayerbreakfast.org to register and access hosting resources.

New research has highlighted the significant social and community value created by Christian broadcasting across Australia.

CLICK HERE TO Read the FULL Christian Broadcasting SROI Research Report.

The research found that for every $1 invested in Christian community broadcasting, $8.70 in social value is created, demonstrating the contribution the sector makes well beyond traditional measures of audience and reach.

Across more than 835 broadcasting locations, Christian broadcasters reach approximately 1.897 million Australians each week, supported by more than 230 employees and 1,500 volunteers.

Importantly, 87.8% of the total social value identified through the research is experienced directly by listeners, through outcomes including greater connection, representation, participation, wellbeing and resilience.

The findings provide strong evidence of what our sector sees every day: trusted local Christian media plays an important role in strengthening people and communities across Australia.

For questions about the research or its findings, please contact ceo@mediaarts.org.au.

Creating stories that matter. Building careers that last. Finding your people.

Working in the screen industry can be exciting—but it can also feel isolating.

Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, producer, actor or content creator, join Chris Guerra and Kelsey Cooke-Guerra for an honest conversation about building a creative career, staying true to your faith, and creating work that makes an impact.

Together we'll explore

• Building a sustainable creative career
• Creating independent film and screen projects
• Finding audiences in today's changing media landscape
• Integrating faith and creativity with authenticity
• Practical insights through audience discussion and live Q&A

You'll leave with

• Confidence that meaningful screen careers can be built from Australia
• Practical ideas you can apply immediately
• New connections with like-minded Christian creatives
• Fresh encouragement to stop waiting and start creating

Included

Every attendee receives a digital resource guide with key takeaways, recommended resources, practical tools, reflection questions and space for action planning.

If you're passionate about telling stories that shape culture through excellence, collaboration and faith-driven storytelling, this evening is for you.

REGISTER TODAY

·       Positive Media, Mitcham, Melbourne VIC
·       Lead a talented team of radio professionals
·       Drive strategic audio content

About Us

Here at PositiveMedia, home of 89.9 TheLight, our Vision is to see “Every life alight with the love of Jesus”. We are a trusted media organisation with a mission to positively impact our community 24/7.

· We are a missional workplace, but not a church
· We hold fast to Christian beliefs to guide our work, decisions and relationships
· We are a community of God’s people, and we define ourselves and organise our work around our purpose
· We exist not for ourselves, but for the sake of our mission

Find out more about us through this short video.

What we offer

We are a fun and energetic organisation where our shared values and passion for our vision govern what we do and how we do it. We offer flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a difference in our community.

About this Role

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to manage a talented team and drive the creation of engaging radio and other audio content. As the Head of Listener Engagement, you will manage PositiveMedia’s radio stations (89.9 TheLight, TheLight Worship, The Light Mix and the Light Christmas) and other audio products (such as podcasts, listener activations and events) to transform lives in line with PositiveMedia’s mission.

Key Responsibilities Include:

· Ensuring the structure and delivery of all audio content and products is aligned to the strategic direction of PositiveMedia

· Facilitating high-quality content that drives listener engagement

· Providing leadership and coaching to the Listener Engagement team, (which consists of radio announcers, producers and operational support staff) to ensure high performance in on-air and off-air roles

· Collaborating closely with other departments to facilitate on-air and off-air promotions and activations

· Playing an active role in the senior leadership team

About You

We are seeking an experienced and passionate leader to step into this unique role. To thrive in this role, you will have:

· A deep connection to PositiveMedia’s vison and mission

· Extensive experience in a leadership role in a community or commercial radio station/s or similar environment

· Strong leadership and coaching skills

· A strategic approach

This is a unique opportunity to work within a highly motivated, passionate and innovative workplace. If this sounds like a great fit for you and you get who we are and what we do, we would love to hear from you.

To apply – simply click here! Please submit a resume and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia and be able to provide evidence of eligibility to work.

To view the full position description, visit our website.

If you have any questions about this job, feel free to contact Lyn Ryman, (lyn.ryman@positivemedia.com.au / +61 3 9955 8887).

More than 5,800 people will gain access to safe, clean water thanks to the generosity of New Zealanders who responded to Rhema Media's inaugural Water for Life Day.

Held on 23 July, the nationwide campaign united audiences across Life FM, Rhema, Sanctuary and Shine TV, inviting listeners and viewers to help transform communities through access to one of life's most basic necessities.

By the end of the day, supporters had funded clean water solutions for more than 5,800 people, an extraordinary result for the first-ever Water for Life Day.

The campaign was delivered in partnership with Convoy of Hope, whose clean water initiatives provide sustainable access to safe drinking water in communities where water scarcity and waterborne disease continue to impact daily life.

The incredible response reflects the heart of New Zealand audiences to live out their faith in practical ways.

Across radio, television and digital platforms, the campaign shared stories of hope and invited audiences to become part of lasting change. Throughout the day, presenters encouraged prayer, generosity and practical action, demonstrating the unique role Christian media can play in connecting people with real ways to make a tangible difference.

The success of Water for Life Day also highlights the strength of collaboration across the Christian media community. As a partnership between Rhema Media, Christian Media & Arts Australia (CMAA) and Convoy of Hope, the initiative reflects a shared vision to see media used not only to communicate the Gospel, but also to respond to human need with compassion.

CMAA members are working together to launch Water For Life Day on 20 August in every state across Australia. With our Kiwi members setting the bar high, we're excited to see how the campaign resonates with Australian audiences as we work together to multiply hope, one drop at a time.

Find out more about Water For Life Day.

CMAA member GOOD is helping bring the work of our global impact pertner Convoy of Hope to a wider audience through a collection of programs available on its streaming platform.

Across episodes of Helping Hands TV and HumanKind, viewers can see how Convoy of Hope supports Australian communities affected by natural disasters, hardship and disadvantage.

The stories demonstrate the important role media can play in highlighting practical compassion, strengthening community awareness and encouraging people to support organisations making a meaningful difference.

Supporting Lismore after the floods

One episode of Helping Hands TV, available on GOOD, follows Convoy of Hope’s response in Lismore after the devastating 2022 floods.

The program explores how Convoy of Hope worked alongside local churches, businesses, community leaders and volunteers to provide practical assistance to people whose homes and livelihoods had been affected.

It also highlights the importance of sustained support after public attention has moved on, and the role local partnerships play in helping communities recover.

Watch the Convoy of Hope Lismore episode on GOOD

Sharing stories of practical hope

Convoy of Hope is featured in another episode of Helping Hands TV, which looks more broadly at the organisation’s work supporting communities experiencing hardship.

The episode shows how individuals, charities and community groups can create positive change by responding to practical needs and working together.

Watch Convoy of Hope on Helping Hands TV

Featured on HumanKind

Convoy of Hope also appears in an episode of GOOD’s HumanKind series.

The program follows members of the Convoy of Hope team as they respond to communities affected by natural disasters, showing how practical assistance can help restore homes, confidence, connection and hope.

Watch Convoy of Hope on HumanKind

By making these stories available to audiences, GOOD is helping shine a light on the impact of Convoy of Hope and the communities it serves.

It is also a strong example of how a CMAA member can use media and storytelling to amplify the work of a trusted fundraising partner and inspire audiences to take positive action.

Watch GOOD, feel good

Get access to positive, family-friendly and uplifting TV on GOOD today. Visit GOOD.

CMAA member Focus on the Family Australia is celebrating the success of its 2026 Families Week campaign, which placed practical, faith-filled resources into the homes of hundreds of families across the country.

Held from 11 to 17 May, the campaign offered Australian families a free copy of 52 Weeks to a Stronger Family: Planting Seeds of Faith. Each participant received immediate access to a digital edition, followed by a printed devotional mailed to their home.

Designed to encourage meaningful conversations, prayer and spiritual growth within the home, the devotional provides families with a simple activity to complete together each week.

The campaign generated 862 signups, more than doubling the 372 signups recorded through the previous year’s initiative. Almost half of those who registered, 398 people, were completely new to the Focus on the Family Australia community.

Christian Radio Leads the Way

Christian radio partnerships played a central role in the campaign’s success.

33 Australian Christian radio stations supported and promoted the campaign. Together, radio partners generated 380 signups, representing 44.1 per cent of the total campaign response and making radio the strongest-performing promotional channel.

Participating stations were equipped with on-air community service announcements, interview opportunities, social media content, website banners and a suggested promotional schedule. Station logos were also included on the campaign landing page and throughout the follow-up email series, reinforcing the connection between listeners and their local Christian radio station.

The strongest radio results came from Life FM in Adelaide, Rise 96.5 in Brisbane, Hope 103.2 in Sydney, 96three in Geelong, Sonshine in Perth and nationally across Vision.

The campaign demonstrated the influence Christian broadcasters can have when stations work together around a practical resource that directly serves their listeners.

A Strong Response From Australian Families

Families Week also created a significant increase in online engagement.

Website traffic rose by almost 25% in the campaign week and 862 people registered to get access to the devotional.

Interest remained strong after registration, showing that recipients continued engaging with resources designed to strengthen their marriages, parenting and family life.

Most importantly, early feedback suggests the devotional is already making a meaningful difference.

Follow-up feedback gathered one month after the devotional was received showed that more than half of respondents had begun using it and were finding it helpful.

Families shared that the devotional had encouraged conversations with their children, brought them together for prayer and created opportunities to reflect on God as a family. Almost 80 per cent also indicated that they would like to continue receiving biblical encouragement and practical resources from Focus on the Family Australia.

Helping Families Thrive in Christ

Families Week 2026 highlighted what can be achieved when a valuable resource is supported by strong ministry and media partnerships.

Through the campaign, 862 Australian families now have a year-long devotional resource in their homes, helping them build healthy habits of faith, conversation and connection.

Focus on the Family Australia thanks its radio partners for opening the campaign to their audiences and supporting the on-air conversations, promotions and word-of-mouth that helped the devotional reach families across the nation.

CMAA congratulates Focus on the Family Australia and every participating radio station on this outstanding campaign, and celebrates the collective impact of helping Australian families grow stronger and take meaningful steps closer to Christ.

Sonshine has recorded its strongest audience results to date, with more Western Australians choosing to connect with hope-filled Christian media than ever before.

The latest McNair Community Radio Listener Survey for Wave 1 2026 placed Sonshine eighth overall in the Perth radio market, its highest-ever position, with growth recorded across every major audience measure.

Sonshine’s weekly audience increased to 188,000 listeners, while the combined weekly reach of Sonshine and Sonshine Extra grew to 208,000.

Together, the two stations now reach 360,000 listeners each month.

Weekly audience growth also outpaced monthly growth by more than two-to-one, suggesting that an increasing number of people are making Sonshine a regular part of their lives.

Sonshine CEO Michael Pailthorpe said the results represented much more than audience growth.

“Every number represents a person, a family or a life being impacted,” Michael said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to God for what these results represent. They show that more Western Australians are intentionally seeking media that brings hope, encouragement and truth into their everyday lives.

“That’s deeply encouraging for our team, our volunteers and our supporters.”

Growing Influence Across the Community

The survey results reflect the growing influence of Christian media across Western Australia.

More than 60 per cent of Sonshine’s listeners are aged between 25 and 54, while Sonshine Extra continues to connect particularly strongly with adults aged 25 to 39.

The research also highlighted Sonshine’s connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“One of the things we’re most encouraged by is the diversity of the people we’re reaching,” Michael said.

“Our desire has always been to serve the whole community with the love and hope of Jesus.

“Seeing people from so many different backgrounds choosing to listen reminds us that the message of hope is relevant to everyone.”

Listeners Becoming More Engaged

The survey also showed that listeners are spending more time with Sonshine.

Average listening time increased from 7.9 hours to 8.3 hours each week, while the station’s Breakfast, Mornings and Drive programs all recorded audience growth.

Sonshine Extra also continued its strong upward trajectory.

This increasing engagement extends beyond listening. Sonshine’s June Appeal raised more than $1.1 million earlier this year, marking the strongest fundraising result in the station’s history.

“We’re humbled by the generosity of our listeners,” Michael said.

“The fact that people don’t simply listen, but choose to financially support the ministry, speaks volumes about the relationship we’ve built with our audience over many years.

“We’re incredibly thankful for every person who prays for, listens to and partners with Sonshine.”

Continuing to Share Hope

As Christian media operates within an increasingly competitive landscape, Michael said the results were an encouragement for Sonshine and Christian broadcasters across Australia.

“These results remind us that there is a genuine hunger for media that points people towards hope,” he said.

“We’ll continue investing in local content, growing Sonshine Extra, embracing new platforms and finding new ways to share faith, hope and encouragement with our community.

“Our prayer is that God will continue using Sonshine to make a positive difference in the lives of Western Australians for many years to come.”

CMAA congratulates Sonshine on this significant achievement and celebrates the station’s ongoing commitment to serving Western Australia with media that shares faith, hope and encouragement.

CMAA member CV Global has launched a refreshed website and a new series of Activation Hubs designed to equip churches, ministry leaders and everyday Christians to engage with focused evangelism opportunities around the world.

Now live at cvglobal.co, the updated platform provides practical resources and clear pathways to help Christians reach unreached people groups, emerging digital communities and those living in places with limited access to the gospel.

The initiative responds to research collated by CV Global that highlights a significant opportunity for the global Church. Currently, 85 per cent of evangelism efforts are directed towards people who are already Christian, while just 2 per cent reaches those with no access to the gospel.

This is despite people with little or no access to the gospel making up approximately 29 per cent of the world’s population.

CV Global Managing Director Heinz Oldewage said the refreshed website had been developed to help address this gap.

“With only two per cent of evangelism reaching those with the least access to the gospel, there is a significant opportunity for the global Church to extend its reach,” Heinz said.

“Our refreshed website exists to close that gap. It gives church and ministry leaders practical tools, effective strategies and proven evangelism insights so they can redirect their efforts to where they are needed most.”

The platform has also been designed to support individual Christians who want to better understand global evangelism opportunities and feel equipped to respond.

“The site is also for everyday believers to learn more about the people groups we need to reach and empower them with all the tools they need to do exactly that,” Heinz said.

A Website Built for Activation

The refreshed website is centred around CV Global’s impact statement: “We create impact by introducing people to Jesus and equipping the Church to do the same.”

Navigation has been simplified into three key areas.

The Resources section includes articles, inspiring stories, videos and courses. Activation Hubs guide visitors through specific evangelism opportunities, while the About section provides information about CV Global and ways people can get involved.

The redesigned homepage also gives visitors a clearer pathway towards their next practical step.

Introducing Activation Hubs

At the heart of the relaunch are CV Global’s new Activation Hubs.

Each hub brings together resources relating to a particular evangelism opportunity, which may be based on a people group, country, ministry context, evangelism method or digital platform.

CV Global Director of Mission Nathan Spicer said the hubs had been developed as structured pathways, helping users understand an opportunity and take practical action.

“Each hub brings the content together into a structured pathway designed to help users discover the opportunity, understand why it matters and draw on CV’s real-world experience to take clear next steps in evangelism,” Nathan said.

The first Activation Hubs focus on reaching Hindus, Buddhists and people from Uzbekistan, with more hubs planned as the model continues to expand.

“We want people to leave the hub with a clear understanding of the opportunity available and the practical tools to take action,” Nathan said.

CMAA congratulates CV Global on the successful launch of this valuable new initiative and its continued commitment to equipping Christians to share the gospel effectively across cultures, communities and digital spaces.

The refreshed CV Global website and Activation Hubs are now available at cvglobal.co.

You can request an interview with the CV Managing Director, or our Director of Mission by clicking HERE

For four decades, Way FM 105.3 has been a trusted voice in Northern Tasmania, sharing hope, encouragement and community connection with listeners across the region.

Established in 1986 by a passionate group of local volunteers, Way FM has grown into one of Northern Tasmania's longest-serving community radio stations. Over the past 40 years, the station has remained committed to broadcasting positive music, local stories, community information and messages of hope to thousands of listeners.

To celebrate this significant milestone, Way FM hosted its 40th Anniversary Celebration on 25 July 2026, at Blackstone Christian Centre, Blackstone Heights.

The afternoon brought together current and former staff, volunteers, presenters, supporters, listeners and community leaders to reflect on the station's rich history and the important role community radio had played in Launceston and Northern Tasmania over the previous four decades.

Guests had the opportunity to view historical displays and memorabilia, reconnect with familiar faces from throughout the station's history, and celebrate the many volunteers whose dedication had enabled Way FM to continue serving the community since 1986.

Way FM General Manager Glenn Hartas said the 40th anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate and thank the many people who had helped shape the station since it first went to air in 1986.

"For 40 years, Way FM has been more than just a radio station; it has been a place where our community has found encouragement, connection and hope. This celebration is about thanking the volunteers, supporters, sponsors, listeners and staff, past and present, who have made that possible. We invite the community to join us as we celebrate this remarkable milestone together."

Way FM continues to broadcast across Northern Tasmania on 105.3 FM, 98.1 FM and online at wayfm.org.au , ensuring its message of hope and positive entertainment remains accessible wherever people are listening.

CMAA congratulates WayFM on this milestone achievement and we look forward to supporting the team as they continue to minister to people throughout Tasmania, reaching them with the hope of Christ.

See more at wayfm.org.au

For many people, the most memorable part of CONNECT isn't the keynote speaker or the workshop they attended.

It's the conversation that happened afterwards.

It's the person they met over coffee who became a trusted colleague. The songwriter who found a collaborator. The radio announcer who discovered a fresh perspective. The ministry leader who realised they weren'tcarrying the vision alone.

That's always been part of what makes CONNECT unique. While the conference brings together Christian communicators from across the globe, it's often the relationships formed between sessions that continue to shape people's ministry and careers long after the event has finished.

This year, CMAA is creating even more space for those connections to happen, with two new events being held alongside CONNECT26 on the Gold Coast.

Importantly, both are open to anyone. You don't need to register for the full conference to attend.

A place to find your people

The first is CONNECT PLUS+, presented by CMAA and Wild Hive.

Held on Wednesday evening at The Spring, QT Gold Coast, the event brings together people working across Christian media, music, communications, the arts and the wider creative industries for an evening designed around one simple idea: meaningful connection.

Whether you're established in your profession, taking your first steps into the industry or simply exploring where God might be leading your creative gifts, CONNECT PLUS+ offers an opportunity to meet others who share both your faith and your passion for influencing culture.

Rather than a formal conference session, the evening has been designed as a relaxed gathering. Guests will enjoy live music from Sean Rodriguez and friends, hosted by Kelsey Cooke and Chris Guerra, with food, conversation and plenty of opportunity to build new relationships.

Because sometimes the right conversation can open doors that no keynote session ever could.

Beyond The Song

Earlier that same day, singers and songwriters will gather for another first at CONNECT.

Beyond the Song has been created for artists who want to grow not only in their musical ability, but also in their understanding of the calling and career of Christian music.

For faith-based singers, songwriters, worship leaders, indie artists and Christian bands, the day promises honest conversations about navigating today's music industry while remaining grounded in purpose.

Sessions will explore the realities of building a sustainable creative career, the relationship between artists, radio and media, and the practical steps involved in developing music that serves both the Church and the wider community.

More than a professional development event, Beyond the Song recognises that creativity is both a gift and a responsibility. It's an opportunity to learn from experienced voices, encourage one another and invest in the next generation of Christian artists.

More than a conference

For years, CONNECT has been the place where Christian communicators encourage one another, share ideas and imagine what's possible together.

These new events build on that foundation.

Whether you're working in radio, media, music, communications, ministry or the creative industries, they're another way to gather with people who understand both the opportunities and challenges of serving Christ through creative work.

In a world where creative ministry can sometimes feel isolated, moments like these matter.

They remind us that while our platforms, professions and projects may look different, we're part of something much bigger- a community committed to communicating hope with excellence.

Both CONNECT PLUS+ and Beyond the Song take place on Wednesday 16 September at QT Gold Coast alongside CONNECT26.

Tickets for each event can be purchased separately, with member and non-member pricing available.

To find out more or book your place, visit CONNECT26.

CONNECT PLUS+
📅 Wednesday 16 September | 5pm–7.30pm
📍 The Spring, QT Gold Coast
🎟 CMAA Members $79 | Non-members $89

Beyond the Song
📅 Wednesday 16 September | 8.30am–5pm
📍 QT Gold Coast
🎟 CMAA Members $100 | Non-members $110

Promoter

The promoter is Christian Media & Arts Australia.

Promotion

The promotion is a national game of chance giveaway for the opportunity to win one CONNECT26 conference registration package.

Eligibility

Entry is open to Australian residents aged 18 years and over.

Employees, contractors, board members and immediate family members of Christian Media & Arts Australia are not eligible to enter.

Entry Period

The promotion opens Wednesday 29 July and closes at midnight 11 August.

Entries submitted outside the entry period will not be accepted.

How To Enter

To enter, eligible entrants must:

1. Follow @mediaartsau on Instagram

and

2.    Comment below and tag a friend, telling us why you want to come to CONNECT26

Each separate comment counts as one entry, up to a maximum of 20 entries per person.

Entries above the 20-entry limit will not be counted. Duplicate, incomplete, automated, spam, offensive or inappropriate entries may be disqualified at the promoter’s discretion.

Prize

There is one prize available.

The prize is one CONNECT26 conference registration package valued at $2,128.

The prize includes:

• conference registration for CONNECT26;
• accommodation at QT Gold Coast during the conference period; and
• meals included as part of the conference package.

The prize is valid for use between 14 September 2026 and 16 September 2026 only.

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Copyright questions can arise across almost every part of a community radio station’s work, from broadcasting music and recording live performances to reading articles on air or using images online.

To help stations navigate these issues, the Australian Copyright Council has released a new Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters, developed with assistance from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia.

The guide explains how Australian copyright law applies to radio programs, music, podcasts, written material, photographs, recordings and broadcast content. It also highlights an important distinction: while a station may own copyright in its broadcast signal, separate copyright can still exist in the music, scripts, recordings and other material included in that broadcast.

Practical Answers for Everyday Situations

The resource is structured around frequently asked questions and real-world case studies relevant to community broadcasters.

It covers five main areas:

• copyright and radio broadcasts
• using music
• written and spoken works
• images and photographs
• exceptions to copyright infringement

The guide addresses common questions about program ownership, volunteer-created content, music licensing, live events, podcasting, on-demand programs and the use of third-party material.

Who Owns a Radio Program?

Copyright ownership may depend on whether content was created by an employee, volunteer or contractor, as well as any agreements in place.

Under general copyright principles, employers usually own material created by employees as part of their work. Volunteers and contractors will generally own what they create unless they have agreed otherwise.

For this reason, the guide recommends that stations have written agreements with employees, contractors and volunteer presenters that clearly set out copyright ownership and permissions.

Music, Streaming and Podcasts

The guide explains the separate roles of APRA AMCOS and PPCA, with stations commonly requiring licences for both the musical work and the sound recording.

It also makes clear that music should not be broadcast directly from consumer streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music. These services generally limit use to personal, non-commercial listening, and broadcasting is not considered personal use, even for a not-for-profit station.

Other topics include music in station promos, sponsorship announcements, live broadcasts, cover songs, online streaming and podcasting.

Live Performances and Third-Party Content

When recording or broadcasting live music, stations should obtain consent from performers, usually through a performer release form.

Where a station is broadcasting from an external festival or event, it should confirm that the organiser has obtained the necessary permissions and that the station is entitled to rely on them.

The guide also covers reading books, poems, plays and newspaper articles on air. Permission may be required when using the whole, or a substantial part, of a work. A short excerpt can still be substantial if it contains an important or recognisable part of the original content. There is no automatic “10-second rule” for audio clips.

Images and Fair Dealing

Images found online are usually protected by copyright. Stations should check the source, licence and website terms before using photographs, graphics or illustrations on websites and social media.

The guide also clarifies that Australia does not have a broad “fair use” exception. Australian law instead provides specific fair dealing exceptions, including criticism or review, parody or satire, reporting news, and personal research or study.

Access the Full Guide

The Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters is a useful starting point for station managers, presenters, volunteers, content teams and anyone responsible for digital publishing or live events.

It is an educational resource and does not constitute legal advice. Stations needing advice about their specific circumstances should seek independent legal assistance.

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/CBAA/f91521e2-cb7a-4f99-8ca0-552342c290f7/UploadedImages/Documents/Resource_Library_Content/Copyright_Guide_for_Community_Radio_Broadcasters__June_2026_v2.pdf