JOY to hit fundraising target

Melbourne GLBTI radio station JOY94.9 is likely to reach its radiothon fundraising target this year.

The money will help stabilise the station after it weathered a steep financial loss last year.

JOY president Stephen Duns told Southern Star the station is still tallying up final amounts but expects the fundraising total to be close to the $100,000 target set.

“At this stage it looks like we’ll achieve the target which is really great,” Duns said.

“I think we’ve done really well.”

The station reported a $105,974 loss at last year’s annual general meeting, down from a $390,735 profit the previous year.

The loss was blamed on the station’s shift to its new city headquarters and new equipment costs.

Duns said the radiothon — which ran from from June 11-20 — has given the station a boost.

“It certainly helps the budget if we achieve the target. It’s still tight, but it’s given us more confidence to move on from here.”

During the 10 days of fundraising, $17,000 in new memberships and donations were raised in one day during Andy and Adrian’s Thursday breakfast show.

Former City of Melbourne deputy mayor Gary Singer and art dealer Geoffrey Smith have agreed to match the amount raised during the show dollar-for-dollar.

Duns said the station’s first launch party, held at the Glasshouse Hotel, raised $3500 and was likely to continue.

The station is reliant on radiothon funds which account for almost half the yearly budget income.

“I’d like to thank all those who made generous donations and the volunteers and staff who worked really hard to make it all happen,” Duns said.

It’s also been a tough few weeks for the station after the death of long-time JOY presenter and board member Addam Stobbs on June 16.

“Certainly towards the end of the radiothon Addam was really fondly remembered. It’s been a sad time,” Duns said.