Policies

MISSION STATEMENT/COMMUNITY POLICY

Goldfields FM is a community radio station established and committed to providing a community broadcast facility that encourages the widest possible community usage through broadcast involvement and participation.

The number one priority is serving the needs of the community in accordance with Goldfields FM’s licence operating conditions, and giving a voice to the community and people who would not normally have a voice in mainstream media.

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MANAGEMENT POLICY

On behalf of the Board of Management, the Station Managers will be responsible for the day to day running of Goldfields FM including:-

  1. Implementing decisions made by the Board of Management.
  2. Reporting station activities to the Board of Management.
  1. Overseeing O. H. & S. matters.
  1. Receiving reports from committee meetings.
  1. Co-ordinating volunteers.
  1. Consistently implementing all management processes and program Schedules.

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MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEERING POLICY

Rationale:

Goldfields FM is a community radio station established and committed to provide a community broadcast facility that encourages the widest possible community usage through broadcast involvement and participation.

Membership is one of the primary ways of encouraging community participation. Goldfields FM encourage applications for membership from our broadcast area and beyond, open to all individuals and community organisations, who enjoy community radio and wish to support our station.

Types of Membership:

  1. Full Membership
  2. Corporate Membership

Full Membership:

Entitles adults, children and students membership for five years from the date of payment. Members are entitled to nominate for the Board of Management after 12 months of membership. All members have the option of being a volunteer or training in all areas of community radio.

Corporate Membership:

A business or community organisation may become a member. Members are entitled to nominate for the Board of Management after 12 months of membership. All members have the option of being a volunteer or training in all areas of community radio.

Requirements:

In order to be accepted as a member of Strengthening Goldfields Community Radio Inc. an individual must:

  1. Supporting Goldfields FM, all members will agree to abide by all Rules, Policies and Procedures.
  2. Promote the interests of Goldfields FM in the broadcast area.
  3. All new membership applications to be presented and accepted into membership by the Board of Management of Goldfields FM.
  4. Pay the required membership dues.
  5. It is expected that members who are volunteers will carry out their duties in a competent and professional manner.

Limitations on Membership:

All applications for membership are welcomed.

New memberships are submitted to the Board for approval, and will only be rejected under the following clause of the Constitution:

“The Board must determine whether to approve or reject the application.
An application may only be rejected if:


(a) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Applicant would not abide by the Rules and objectives of the Association; or

(b) required by law; or

(c) the Applicant has been convicted of an indictable offence; or
(d) there are reasonable grounds to believe that Applicant would not abide by the Community Codes of Practice; or
(e) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Applicant would pose a security risk to the members or the premises of the Association.”

An applicant whose membership is rejected by the Board of Management has the right to appeal, as outlined in the Constitution.

Records of Membership:

Upon entry and exit from Goldfields FM Community Radio, necessary entries and/or amendments will be made in the Membership database.

Compliance:

Members who believe that their rights as defined by this policy have been infringed, have the right to access the Grievance Policy as specified in the Rules.
Members who do not comply with the responsibilities defined by this policy are subject to disciplinary action as defined in the Rules.

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PRESENTERS POLICY

All presenters must be aware of, and meet, the following requirements:-

Be a fully paid up member of Goldfields FM.

Attend and pass a Presenters Training course – both written and practical, achieving a full understanding of Goldfields FM’s and the Broadcast Act 2002 requirements for on air access.

If 18 years of age or over obtain the appropriate Working with Children clearance.

If under 18 years of age have a parent or guardian present at all times while presenting a program.

General Conduct: All presenters are expected to abide by the Station Code of Conduct as stipulated in the Presenters Manual.

Undertake appropriate training up dates.

Give timely advice to Station Management if their programs’ not going to air.

The Station Management has the right to stop any programs going to air if any Goldfields FM Radio Station requirements are not being followed.

Australian Music Content

Of all music programming, we will broadcast at least 25% Australian music. 

The requirements in this Code are calculated as a percentage of all music played over a calendar month and do not include music used in sponsorship announcements or station and program promotions. 

Broadcasting Industry Codes Of Practice

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) broadcasting industry codes of practice requires the observance of ordinary good taste and common sense respect for individual opinion and proper regard for the special needs of children.

Material may not be broadcast if it contrary to the law.

Programs that contain material generally unsuitable to children must not be broadcast at times when large numbers of children may be listening.

Programs dealing with sexual matters must be presented tastefully with common sense, at appropriate times and in accordance with the provision that they are genuine works of artistic merit and that they are serious presentations of moral and social issues.

References to sexual relations should be treated with discretion.

Dramatic productions should not be presented as news or information in such a way that may mislead or alarm listeners.

References to Alcohol consumption, drug use or addiction should not be presented as desirable.

References to gambling should not be emphasised or used to promote gambling.

The presentation of superstitious or psuedo-scientific beliefs associated with foretelling the future should be avoided.

Presentation of cruelty, greed, unfair exploitation, selfishness and other unworthy motives in a favourable light should be avoided.

Broadcast material shall not be discriminatory on the basis of race, religion, nationality, ethnic background or sex.

For further information please refer to the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, 2025.

Emergency Information

Where we offer emergency broadcasts, we will have procedures in place to enable appropriate local emergency broadcasts. 

Where we offer emergency broadcasts, those broadcasts must include: 

a) accurate, reliable, and timely factual information; and 

b) locally relevant information, to the extent possible. 

Where possible, we provide emergency broadcasts in the main languages other than English spoken in our local area. 

First Nations Engagement

We will demonstrate respect and cultural sensitivity for First Nations cultures, languages, histories, knowledge, rights, and experiences in our work and in all programs broadcast.

We will strengthen relationships with local First Nations people and organisations. 

We will include First Nations people or organisations in the planning and production of content about or affecting First Nations peoples, and seek advice on: 

a) using appropriate language, preferred terminology, and correct pronunciation; 

b) observing cultural protocols; 

c) respecting bereavement practices in content about people who have recently died; and 

d) ensuring the consideration of regional differences in protocols, practices, experiences, and perspectives of First Nations communities. 

We will prioritise First Nations voices when reporting on or discussing First Nations issues. 

We seize opportunities to celebrate First Nations peoples and stories recognising the important role community media plays in truth-telling and reconciliation. 

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CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCEDURES POLICY

This Policy complies with Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Guidelines.

All Station volunteers are responsible for keeping themselves up to date with all their rights and responsibilities as provided by Goldfields FM.

If the behaviour of a Station volunteer…..

  • Disrupts normal day to day running of the radio station,
  • Causes issues with on air programs,
  • Results in conflict within station staff.
  • Is in conflict with the A.C.M.A. Codes of Practice.

The Broadcast Manager of Goldfields FM will attempt to resolve the issues with the Station Volunteer by …

  1. Having a timely discussion with the Station Volunteer about the issue.
  2. Reaching a negotiated resolution of the issue, if possible.
  3. Investigating the matter further, if necessary, and getting back to the Station Volunteer.
  4. Offering further training or counselling for the Station volunteer, if appropriate.

In the event of disciplinary action against the Station Volunteer being deemed appropriate the following process will occur …..

  1. A verbal warning will be issued to the Station Volunteer.
  2. If a second warning is issued it will also be in written form.
  3. If, within a period of six months, the Station volunteer receives a third warning about any breach, they will be stood down from all duties until the Board of Management of Goldfields FM makes a decision about the future contribution of the Station Volunteer to the radio station.

Severe clause….If a Station Volunteer is not in an appropriate condition to properly present their program, or are deliberately breaking operational guidelines for on air presentation, the Broadcast Manager of Goldfields FM is empowered to take the program off air immediately and take the appropriate actions to remedy the Station Volunteer’s behaviour.

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COMPLAINTS POLICY

  1. All complaints from the public will be treated seriously and dealt

with in a polite and timely manner as per the Community Radio

Broadcasting Act.

  1. The complaint process must be completed, where practicable, within 60 days.

Complaints of a serious nature will be dealt with as soon as possible.

  1. Goldfields FM Complaint Form 220 must be processed immediately after a complaint is made and all further action is taken in conjunction with Complaint Form 220.

Complaints Form 220.

Nature of Complaint

A complaint should relate to a licence or Code of Practice condition and complaints relating to potentially defamatory material.

Program associated with complaint:_______________________________

Date and time of program broadcast:_____________________________

Contact Details

Name of person making the complaint._____________________________

Address___________________________________________________

Telephone Contact (B)___________________(H)___________________

Complaints Process

This process must be completed within 60 days from the date on which the complaint was made.

The Operation Managers at the station… Date (Tick & date appropriate actions)

[ ] Receives the verbal complaint. ___/___/_____

[ ] Receives the formal complaint in writing ___/___/_____

[ ] Discusses complaint with presenter ___/___/_____

[ ] Checks the logged program material ___/___/_____

(Log to be kept for 60 days from date of complaint)

[ ] Sends written station response to complainant ___/___/_____

[ ] Organises follow-up with complainant(e.g. meeting) ___/___/_____

[ ] Provides ACMA contact details to complainant ___/___/_____

[ ] Files all paperwork for future reference ___/___/_____

Result

The complaint is ….. [ ] resolved [ ] unresolved

Name of Operation Manager(s):______________________________________________________

Signed:__________________________________________Date______________

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PROGRAMMING POLICY

Rationale

The Goldfields FM Programming Policy outlines the development of programming selection that will enable Goldfields FM listeners the ability to access a balanced, unique and engaging listening experience.

Goals

The Goldfields FM Programming Policy will allow for the entire listening community to:

  1. Experience a variety of music, with an informed balance of genres and offerings.
  2. Be engaged with local news, events and live broadcasts where possible.
  3. Maintain and/or develop an enjoyment of community radio in their local community, through listening to engaging programs via radio, streaming online and podcasts.

Guidelines

  1. The Programming format will comply with Goldfields FM’s Licence conditions as laid down by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
  2. Where possible a listener survey will be conducted annually to gauge audience interests and desires; and to inform the Program Committee.
  3. The programming schedule will be regularly reviewed and modified by the Programming Committee when necessary.
  4. After expressing interest, Programming Committee members will be appointed by the Board of Management.
  5. The Programming Committee will be responsible for:-

a) Maintaining a programming schedule which caters for a wide variety of content and balance of genres.

b) Promoting live broadcasts whenever possible using local presenters.

c) Providing the community with information (news and events) relevant to local residents.

e) Providing community access to air-time.

f) Incorporating programming that does not discriminate against individuals or groups of people on the basis of race, gender, nationality, religion, disability, age or sexual preference.

g) Maintaining a productive and cooperative working relationship with the Production Team, Broadcast Manager and the Goldfields FM Board.

This policy will be reviewed annually and modified as necessary.

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SPONSORSHIP POLICY

All sponsors will be issued with a standard Goldfields FM Sponsorship Proposal.

Sponsorship Proposals may be unique to a sponsor with negotiation between a Goldfields FM team member and the sponsors.

All special sponsorship proposals and agreements must be authorized by the Sponsorship Manager.

When a sponsorship proposal is to the sponsors requirement a sponsorship agreement will be authorized and signed by the Sponsor and Goldfields FM sponsorship team member.

All sponsorship agreements and sponsors will comply with the relevant section of the A.C.M.A. Community Broadcasting Code of Practice which states:

  • that sponsorship will not be a factor in determining access to broadcasting time.
  • that the content and style of individual programs is not influenced by the sponsors of programs.
  • that overall programming of community broadcasting stations is not influenced by sponsors.
  • no more than five minutes of sponsorship announcements will be broadcast in any on hour.
  • all sponsorship announcements will be tagged to acknowledge the financial and/or in kind support of the sponsor.
  • All sponsorship agreements between a sponsor and Goldfields FM, while complying with the Community Broadcast Code of Practice remain confidential.