Sunbury Radio is well established in the town, having been broadcasting from its Jacksons Hill studios since 2001.
However, a Hume City Council agenda features a request for the station to be considered for funding in next year’s annual budget to ‘improve it’ – and the request wasn’t made by station management.
Council called for suggestions on ways it could support community organisations on 6 November last year, and received more than 100 submissions by the 17 February closing date.
The mystery application names the station and asks for funds to increase the variety of music played, an FM transmitter (which it already has), satellite equipment, premises, and an outside broadcast unit.
Sunbury Radio has two studios, outside broadcast equipment – last used on Anzac Day – and programs hosted by local people playing a wide variety of music.
The request features on page 408 of the 11 March 2025 council agenda that includes dozens of applications for council support from organisation across the city.
A spokesman for Sunbury Radio says he was surprised to see the station listed in the agenda and contacted the council to clarify the application wasn’t made by the registered charity.
Council withheld details of the applicant in its agenda.
Other requests in the council’s list include:
- Upgrade of Mitchells Lane, Sunbury
- New playground, splash park with toilets for Bulla
- Refurbishment of the Elizabeth Drive Family Centre for the Sunbury Toy Library
- Build a new swimming complex for Sunbury
- Landscaping for rolling meadows entrance
- Museum
- New Tennis Courts and a new Tennis Club for Sunbury
- Rate freeze and a reduction of officers and reduce CEO wages
- Graffiti removal in Sunbury by employing a dedicated person to remove it
- Reduced glare for sportspeople at Eric Boardman Stadium
- Competition mountain bike track
