By Justin RouillonFriday 2 Jul 2021Station NewsReading Time: 2 minutes
Thank you Brisbane, for partnering with 96five to continue broadcasting a message of hope to our city and beyond.
With the last push of ‘The Final Countdown’ on June 30, 96five ended the annual June appeal at 99.3% funded.
Your response to the ‘Unite In Hope’ June Appeal 2021 was quite simply amazing. At $995,000 it was the largest target we have set in the 20-years since receiving our permanent license, but it wasn’t overly ambitious or unrealistic.
The reality is simple; without the generous support of our listeners, this ministry simply would not exist. Although the station can generate income from sponsorship, this isn’t enough to cover all operational costs, and it’s the support of our listeners and donors that makes up that difference.
It’s also worth noting that 96five receives no direct government funding.
Being a community-licenced radio station, 96five General Manager Arthur Muhl acknowledged the spirit and passion of supporters.
“We say a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers, who during the main appeal week gave their time to assist in answering the phone, processing donations and catering.”
Phillip Randall is the CEO of 96five and said that the result was extraordinary, especially given the snap lockdown conditions that Brisbane found itself in on the final day of the appeal.
“The result speaks to your belief in the power and the importance of the hope shared through 96five, and it illuminates once again God’s goodness in this challenging season. Thank you for your incredible support, making a difference in Brisbane and beyond.”
We heard many powerful testimonies over the course of June, including that of Ron, who only moved to Brisbane from Melbourne at the end of 2020.
“My wife of 43 years passed away in February 2020. In March we went into lockdown in Melbourne which lasted many months.
“In July, just before my 67th birthday I got COVID and I wished that would be the end of me; I’d just lost my wife, I was extremely depressed and I hoped that COVID was my way of seeing her again.
“When lockdown finished in December I decided to head north to Brisbane where I’ve joined a church, and I’ve been listening to 96five constantly.
“It has done wonders for me – I listen to the songs and the words that are spoken and it has given me hope. That was what moving to Queensland was all about – finding hope, and listening to 96five has helped me do that.”