NURIOOTPA-BASED radio station BBB 89.1fm enjoyed success at the 2019 South Australian Community Broadcasting Association Bilby Awards this past week.
The station won ‘Best Community Engagement’ for its Busk ‘til Dusk youth music event, which was held in conjunction with the Barossa Vintage Festival in April.
Jordan McKenna also finished as runner-up for ‘Best Interview’ for his chat with three-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medal discus thrower Benn Harradine.
The judges praised McKenna for his work. “It’s not just who you are interviewing, it’s what they say or how they say it,” they said.
“Content should be interesting, unique or present an alternative view to the mainstream.
“The interviewer asks open questions, the subject is relevant to the station’s community, technical presentation is of a high standard.”
Meanwhile, BBBfm chairperson Margaret Williams was delighted for the station to receive the award for its work alongside the Vintage Festival.
“BBBfm are thrilled to be recipients for 2019 South Australian Community Broadcasting Association Bilby Awards, held yearly from 1986, where 32 member stations competed for a range of awards,” she said.
“Organisers would like to thank all the fantastic musicians who showcased their talents from the Barossa Valley and beyond.
“Supporters for this event included Foundation Barossa, Barossa Council, Helen Connolly Commissioner for Young People and Children, Northern Sound System and Stella One Studio.
“Brooke Chinner from Barossa Youth Advisory Council and Barossa councillor Kathryn Schilling formed the working group with BBBfm to organise our third Busk ‘til Dusk.
“Cassie Taylor and Ekkia Evans, two of our youth presenters, also helped emcee the day with judges Helen Connolly, our own Ben Edwards, and Mitchell Vears from band Long Gone, who were winners of the Burra ‘Battle of the Bands’.”
“We have great feedback from the community and are now looking toward the 2020 Busk ‘til Dusk to engage with youth musicians and, again, hold it in conjunction with the Barossa Vintage Festival.”