News - Life FM

Coming Soon… ‘Youth On Beat’

‘Youth on Beat – By Youth, For Youth’ is a unique program designed not only to amplify the voices of diverse communities, but to train, equip, guide, and empower the youth of Gippsland to create their own unique, quality content. The vision came about through a Sudanese Elder in the Latrobe valley in 2020, who reached out to Life FM with a plea to provide a program that would assist their youth who were experiencing difficulties transitioning between their ethnic culture and modern Australian culture.

Get Involved! Inquire Today.

⇈ Listen to our Demo of ‘Youth On Beat’ ⇈

The show itself will be hosted by First Nations Australian Mercedes Coombes, who is a standout in her regional community. Partnering with her is Emily Duncan, who has spent 7 years in radio content production and is known for her creative talent.

Together, they and their team have gathered support from local First Nations Australian, Sudanese, and Nigerian communities with plans to reach out to PNG and Filipino communities and many more.

Life FM has partnered with award-winning producers at CheekyMac Productions, whose passion is to tackle the rapid decline of mental health in today’s youth through the art of music and songwriting workshops. They will provide invaluable training for those working on this project in the skills of production, presentation, and community engagement. It is our goal to foster a sense of pride and autonomy in our young people who will learn how to articulate and present their own perspective in such a way that engages the broader communities. It will empower them greatly to amplify their voices in their own creative style, and to share their perspective.

With this exclusive team of content creators, we will produce engaging episodes that will cover a range of local information relevant to the Gippsland community it serves, including updates on local events, cultural festivals, community initiatives, and resources available to youth. We will feature interviews with local artists, activists, and leaders, shedding light on the vibrant cultural scene and important issues facing the community and guests native community overseas.

By providing this local information, the program fosters a sense of connection and belonging among listeners while empowering them to actively participate in their community’s growth and development.

LifeFM In News

Life FM’s 20th Birthday Celebration: a night to remember

More than 60 people, including current and former board members, sponsors, staff and volunteers, attended Life FM Gippsland’s 20^th Birthday Celebration at the Traralgon Golf Club last month.

Plenty of memories were shared, fun was had, and food was enjoyed as the Christian community radio station celebrated two decades of broadcasting.

After president Yvonne Coffey welcomed guests, singer/songwriter David Eime began the night’s entertainment with a beautiful acoustic sound. Guests then enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Lisha’s Kitchen.

Station manager David Braithwaite interviewed founding CEO Deb Bye, who spoke about the vision to establish a Christian radio station in Gippsland and the challenges the team faced. Deb described the four years of hard work by volunteers, along with the support of churches from different denominations, which led to Life FM’s first broadcast on October 29, 2003. The efforts of all who contributed to the station were recognised at the 20^th birthday celebrations.

After hearing birthday messages from Christian radio identities from across Australia and New Zealand, David interviewed former production manager Randell Green.

Randell spoke about the many highlights of his time at Life FM, which was more than a decade, including interviews with international artists and the production of content which gained national recognition.

Randell’s daughter Natalie, who performs as Ambrose, then wooed the crowd with her music. Ambrose’s song “Breathe Again” spent 14 weeks on the Australian Christian music chart in 2021.

Life FM membership and production co-ordinator Emily Duncan presented the vision of Life FM to take the station into the future, which includes new programs, engaging a new generation of volunteers, and reaching out to local churches and community groups. Life FM prides itself on being part of the Gippsland community, and wants to work alongside local organisations to fulfil its overall vision to “deliver hope of a better life and future to every home in Gippsland”.

Producer and film maker Danielle McAlpine-Johnson then spoke about one of the exciting new programs Life FM has in production, “Youth On Beat”, which is being produced “by youth, for youth”. The program aims to amplify voices from youth of all backgrounds, tacking social, cultural and political issues relevant to the community.

Danielle’s husband, singer/songwriter Chico Johnson helped end the evening on a high note, with his music getting the room jumping.

Station manager David Braithwaite said the evening was a fitting way to celebrate 20 years of Life FM.

“It was encouraging to see so many people who have contributed to Life FM’s success. We had a great number of former staff members, volunteers, listeners and sponsors attend,” he said.

“There were many renewed connections, and many stories told, while the talented local musicians added to the fun of the night.

“It was wonderful to have Deb Bye attend. Without her vision and passion to see a Christian radio station in Gippsland, many people would have missed out on hearing positive music and powerful and encouraging messages.

“We wanted to honour those who came before us and did the hard work to get Life FM to air. They helped make the station what is it today, and our aim is to ensure their work continues.

“Here’s to another 20 years.”

LifeFM In News

Musical talent to rock Life FM 20th birthday bash

Three musicians are set to make the Life FM 20^th Birthday Celebration a memorable night.

Life FM Gippsland, a Christian community radio station, will be making 20 years of life-changing radio on Saturday, March 23, from 6pm at the Traralagon Golf Club.

The evening will include a delicious dinner, two decades of memories of Life FM and a look towards the future of the station.

Anyone who has listened to, donated to, sponsored, contributed to and supported Life FM over the past 20 years is invited to attend the celebration, which will also feature an incredible line-up of music.

Gippsland-based Chico Johnson recently release a new album, “Milk & Honey”, which transcends genres and drops at a pivotal moment in history addressing social injustice, soaked with messages of hope and freedom.

Infusing his Caribbean roots with hip hop and a voice of consciousness, Chico’s unique sound delivers purposed lyrics for the next generation.

Chico also leads workshops which empower disengaged and disadvantaged youth to discover a purpose-driven life and enhance community capacity building.

Through the art of music, film, motivational speaking and song writing workshops, the aim to tackle the rapid decline in the mental health of youth by helping them find their authentic and unique identity, reduce isolation and anxiety, improve self-worth and sense of belonging and explore solutions to better the world around them.

Joining Chico at Life FM’s 20^th Birthday Celebration will be Natalie Ambrose, whose 2021 song “Breathe Again” was in the top 30 in the Australian Christian music charts for 14 weeks. While her songs are catchy, they have a deeper meaning, forming a profound connection with listeners, who resonate with the narratives embedded.

Another performer will be David Eime, whose singing and acoustic sounds can be heard at public events and in shopping strips across the region.

David sings a combination of classic tracks and his own songs with a raw passion that inspire all who listen.

Life FM Gippsland station manager David Braithwaite said the 20^th Birthday Celebration will include something for every musical taste.

“Each artist who will perform has wonderful talent and incredible testimonies, which people will have the chance to hear about on the night,” he said.

“The music highlights the diversity of positive, uplifting music we play on Life FM.

“We’d love to see as many people who have enjoyed Life FM’s unique brand of radio over the past 20 years, as well as those who have helped get us to where we are now, to come and celebrate this milestone.”

Tickets to Life FM’s 20^th Birthday Celebration are still available, but for catering purposes, they should be purchased prior to the night.

Tickets cost $25 each, and are available from www.eventbrite.com.au.

For more information phone 5143 0355 during business hours or email gippsland@lifefm.com.au.

The event is supported by Latrobe City Council.

LifeFM In News

Life FM Gippsland to celebrate 20 years of life-changing radio

Life FM Gippsland will mark 20 years of life-changing radio with a 20^th Birthday Celebration in March.

The event will be held Saturday, March 23, from 6pm at the Traralgon Golf Club, Princes Highway, Traralgon.

The evening will include a delicious dinner, incredible music, laughter and memories of 20 years of Life FM.

Life FM Gippsland, a Christian community radio station, first went to air in the early hours of October 29, 2003, on the 103.9 FM frequency, on which it still broadcasts.

Two decades later, 1039 Life FM Gippsland is still going strong, broadcasting positive, uplifting music and messages of hope across the region, as well as locally-produced programs.

Station manager David Braithwaite said there was a lot to celebrate.

“While Life FM first went to air in 2003, efforts to get us on the air go back to 1999 with the work and vision of inaugural CEO Deb Bye and a group of dedicated volunteers, who had a desire to give the Christian community a place in Gippsland radio,” David said.

“We want to celebrate those who made Life FM what it is today: a vibrant community radio station broadcasting a positive message, and to introduce the new generation of presenters, producers and volunteers who will take the vision of Life FM into the future.

“Anyone who was played a part in Life FM’s success, including valued listeners and sponsors, are invited to attend our 20^th birthday event, which promises to be an unforgettable evening.”

The night will include music from recognised local artists Chico Johnson, Natalie Ambrose and David Eime, as well as presentations from former Life FM personalities Deb Bye and Randell Green, whose voices would be familiar to long-time listeners of Life FM.

“You’ll hear stories about how Life FM came to be and of our journey over the past two decades,” David said.

“You’ll also have the opportunity to mingle with the current Life FM team and other like-minded individuals who share your passion for great music and the life-changing message of Jesus.”

Tickets to Life FM’s 20^th Birthday Celebration cost $25 each, and are available from www.eventbrite.com.au.

For more information phone 5143 0355 during business hours or email gippsland@lifefm.com.au.

For catering purposes, please RSVP by March 2.

The event is supported by Latrobe City Council.

LifeFM In News

For KING & COUTRY are returning to Australia!

Multi-Grammy Award winning and RIAA Platinum-selling for KING + COUNTRY return to their roots in 2024 with “The Homecoming Tour”.

The special New Zealand and Australia arena circuit will kick off in Auckland on May 16 and will continue through June 2 in Brisbane.

Ticket pre-sale for the tour begins on Thursday, February 8 at 9am. To access the pre-sale, enter the code HOMECOMING at the link here. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Monday, February 12 at 11am.

The brother duo made up of Joel and Luke Smallbone will visit 10 major cities across Australia and New Zealand to bring fans an anthemic and encouraging evening of stories and songs including selections from their fourth studio album, “What Are We Waiting For?” as well as reflections from the forthcoming feature film “Unsung Hero”, and more.

The Smallbone brothers said, “Can you believe it!? Five whole years since we last played in the southern hemisphere. It’s time to return. Time for a homecoming. And with it, we’ll be bringing music from our latest album ‘What Are We Waiting For?’, footage from our forthcoming film ‘Unsung Hero’, an electrifying, high energy live show, and more. We hope to see you at The Homecoming Tour across Australia and New Zealand this autumn.”

The tour announcement follows on the heels of for KING + COUNTRY’s latest singles “Checking In (featuring Lee Brice)” and the re-imagined Michael W. Smith classic hit song, “Place In This World” from their forthcoming “Unsung Hero” movie inspired-by soundtrack. Their family biopic and Joel Smallbone’s directorial debut film, “Unsung Hero” (see trailer here), will release in theatres nationwide on April 26.

For KING + COUNTRY

“THE HOMECOMING TOUR”

5/16 Auckland, NZ Eventfinda Stadium
5/17 Wellington, NZ Michael Fowler Centre
5/18 Christchurch, NZ Christchurch Town Hall
5/20 Perth, AUS RAC Arena
5/23 Adelaide, AUS Adelaide Entertainment Centre
5/24 Melbourne, AUS John Cain Arena
5/25 Canberra, AUS Royal Theatre
5/31 Sydney, AUS Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney
6/1 Newcastle, AUS Newcastle Entertainment Center
6/2 Brisbane, AUS Brisbane Entertainment Centre

For KING + COUNTRY is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos, and are currently nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award multi-Platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks for their recently released song, “Love Me Like I Am”. The single is up for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song” and marks the eighth Grammy nomination of the duo’s career (with four wins).

“Love Me Like I Am” was the duo’s 13th #1 hit single on Billboard’s Christian Airplay Chart, followed by their recent single “What Are We Waiting For?”, which marks their 14th number one track (and ninth consecutive number one hit single) on Billboard airplay.

Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have been awarded four Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, 10 GMA Dove Awards, and 17 K-LOVE Fan Awards. Their 13 number one songs have produced an astonishing 2 billion career streams. The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the U.S., Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand

“What Are Waiting For?”, released this year, became the duo’s second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200; following their RIAA Gold certified album, “Burn The Ships”, which also debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The duo has had seven consecutive number one songs including “For God Is With Us,” “Joy”, “Together” (featuring Kirk Franklin and Tori Kelly), and the 11-week Platinum smash, “God Only Knows”.

The global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Jordin Sparks, Hillary Scott, Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE and Timbaland, amongst others.

Joel and Luke Smallbone are committed to various philanthropic efforts focused on human trafficking, children in need, as well as numerous programs in support of the arts.

In addition, “Unsung Hero”, Joel Smallbone’s directorial debut film from for KING + COUNTRY Entertainment has been picked up by Lionsgate with a theatrical release date of April 26, 2024. Titled from the duo’s song of the same name that was dedicated to their parents, the biopic follows the Smallbone family’s immigration from Australia to the United States.

Ticket pre-sale for the for King & COUNTRY “Homecoming Tour” begins on Thursday, February 8 at 9am. To access the pre-sale, enter the code HOMECOMING at the link here. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Monday, February 12 at 11am.

LifeFM In News

Celebrating 20 years of life-changing radio

Life FM Gippsland president Yvonne Coffey and station manager David Braithwaite.

Donate to Life FM’s 20th Birthday Appeal here.

In the early hours of October 29, 2003, a new era began in radio and for the Christian community in Gippsland. It was then a new community radio station, Life FM, first went to air on the 103.9 frequency.

Two decades later, 1039 Life FM Gippsland is still going strong, broadcasting positive, uplifting music and messages of hope across the region.

Life FM also features locally-made programs such as “Gippsland Perspective”, which covers local news and events, “Light Up Latrobe” and “Make Gippsland Great Again”.

One person integral to getting Life FM on the air was Deb Bye, a former manager at ABC Gippsland who was CEO of Gippsland Christian Broadcasters, the organisation behind Life FM, from 1999 until 2015.

Deb said she was motivated by a desire to give the Christian community a place in Gippsland radio which hadn’t previously existed.

“In 1999, when I started doing deputations to tell people we wanted to start a radio station, I met a lady in South Gippsland, who said, ‘I’ve been praying for Christian radio in Gippsland for 20 years’. For me, that was like a rubber stamp, I was on the right track,” Deb said.

Until Life FM was able to afford a link between the studio in Sale and the transmitter on Mt Tassie, a loop of content, downloaded on to a hard drive and connected to the transmitter, was broadcast.

“We’d drive up to Mt Tassie once a month or more, and we’d switch over the hard drives. It was full-on,” Deb said.

“If we went off air, we’d have to drive back up and press a button to turn it back on again.

“The night we (first) went on air was amazing, we started getting calls at two in the morning.

“People started calling us from W Tree and Gelantipy (in East Gippsland) and places like that. God had just opened up the whole of Gippsland to something that we had said, ‘it’ll probably just be around the Sale area’, but people in Paynesville, Bairnsdale and Omeo, they could all hear us, and down to South Gippsland.”

Former production team leader and station manager Randell Green said Life FM had made a positive impact in the lives of people in Gippsland over the past two decades.

“I remember one pastor in Traralgon said he had a young guy come to his church because he was driving home from work one day, and just happened to be listening to Life FM. Something in it touched him, he decided to seek out God and came to this church,” he said.

“You often heard testimonies like that. Even if they didn’t become Christians, they might have heard something that was uplifting and encouraging for them.”

Current station manager David Braithwaite acknowledged the efforts of people like Deb and Randell as well as the many volunteers who helped make Life FM what it had become.

“Without their vision and efforts, we may not have had a Christian radio station in Gippsland, created for Gippsland,” he said.

“Twenty years on air is a milestone we’re proud to have reached. It’s a big achievement, but we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of listeners – through memberships and donations – as well as local churches, businesses and community organisations.

“To all who have helped us over the years, a massive thank you and we look forward to that support continuing.”

David said there was still a place for Life FM in the Gippsland media landscape.

“Now more than ever, there is a need for uplifting and family-friendly music and messages that encourage and inspire,” he said.

“Times have been tough for most in recent years, and people need a sense of hope. At Life FM, we aim to play a part in providing that.

“We are part of the Gippsland community, and we also aim to tell Gippsland stories.

“It is this mix of music, messages and stories that makes Life FM unique in Gippsland. There is something for everyone on Life FM.”

To mark the milestone, Life FM will host a range of events, including a trivia night, shopping centre displays and, early next year, a celebration night.

Life FM will also hold its 20th Birthday Appeal. Donations, which can be made via the Life FM website, help keep Life FM on the air. Donations $2 and over are tax-deductible.

People also can support Life FM by becoming a member for just $10 a year or becoming a sponsor.