About Hot FM – Hot FM

Our Vision

Our vision is simple: to build and maintain a viable community owned and operated radio station that supports and provides an outlet for alternative music genres and multicultural programs in the Sunraysia region.

Our Mission

We’re on a mission to operate and maintain an informative, entertaining, socially connected community radio station that offers the community the opportunity to access programs not available through other sources. Hot FM is committed to providing training and access opportunities for members of the public to be trained in all aspects of the radio industry.

Even more…

Sunraysia Community Radio Association Inc (SCRA) commenced operating as HOT FM in April 1991, from its current location at 6 Byrne Court, Mildura.

Transmitting on two frequencies, 106.7FM & 90.7FM, HOT FM is able to reach a broad cross section of the community. Local programming can be heard in townships including Mildura, Merbein, Irymple, Red Cliffs, Wentworth and Ouyen. We also stream live at www.hotfm.org.au and on the Community Radio Plus App.
HOT FM has a strong band of more than 50 volunteer presenters who broadcast a unique and diverse range of programs on a weekly basis.

The station has always been a strong supporter of multicultural content and currently offers the opportunity for members of the Greek, Italian and Indian communities to present their own programs.

The station also continues to provide a service for the visually impaired with the RPH News program which airs on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s.

In addition, HOT FM is committed to the live broadcasting of local sport with coverage of Big V Basketball and the Sunraysia Football Netball League from March to September each year. Where possible our volunteers also attend and support local events and festivals.

Station Manager

Pat Silcox

Pat has been a part of the media landscape in Mildura for more than 15 years. A familiar voice on-air weekdays between 9am and Midday, also a regular on the HOT FM Football and Basketball commentary team. Pat brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the Community Radio space and is excited about what lies ahead for the station.

The Management Committee

Paul Clarke, President

Paul brings a combination of corporate strategy and community passion to his role as President of Hot-FM.

In his professional life, Paul serves as a Senior Manager at a global professional services group, where he specializes in navigating complex organizational structures and long-term planning. However, it’s his deep-seated commitment to the local arts and culture scene that truly defines his leadership style.

With eight years of experience at the helm of major regional events—including four-year tenures as President of both the Eltham Jazz Festival and the Cullulleraine Music Festival (the latter recently being named 2025 Community Event of the Year) — Paul understands that the magic of a community organization lies in its people and its pulse.

Paul also cohosts popular Hot-FM radio show: “Clarko and The Duke”.

Phil Kettle, Vice-President

Phil is a successful published author. He is known around the world for his love of writing books for children and visiting schools to talk about reading and writing. Phil has published over 200 books.

Diane Butler, Secretary

Diane has a long history in the community services sector and provides invaluable support with organisational governance, including overseeing development and maintenance of station policies.

Kerri Manger, Treasurer

Kerri Manger is a cornerstone of the Hot-FM team, bringing both a deep historical connection to the station and a sharp eye for financial management.

As Treasurer, Kerri draws on her extensive experience managing small businesses to ensure the station’s operations run smoothly and transparently. She understands the unique challenges of balancing a budget in a community-driven environment, making her an invaluable asset to the Board and the wider station membership.

Kerri’s long history with Hot-FM means she has seen the station evolve through various eras, giving her a unique perspective on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Her institutional knowledge provides the stability and continuity needed to support our latest growth initiatives.

Margherita Kettle, Committee Member

Retired after working in Early Childhood Education. Now involved in some volunteer organisations. I enjoy being involved in Greening Mildura, planting trees in order to enhance our shade canopy, which in turn encourages the local Flora and Fauna.

Danny Harris

Retired union organiser.
A strong believer in giving all community members equal representation and an equal voice.
Keen to see Community Radio HotFM 106.7 prosper and grow to be the shining light of inclusive community involvement – a relevant and visible vibrant platform for all Sunraysia residents to embrace and enjoy.

Jim O’Leary

Jim O’Leary is a dedicated member of the Hot-FM Committee and a vital link between the station and the broader community.

Now retired, Jim has channeled his time and energy into ensuring radio remains an accessible and inclusive medium for everyone. He plays a pivotal role in the station’s technical and creative output, specifically focusing on programming that serves listeners with print disabilities.

Jim produces radio shows auspiced by the RPH (Radio Reading Network), working closely with our dedicated news reading team. His work ensures that local news, articles, and essential information are transformed into high-quality broadcasts, providing a vital service to those who might otherwise face barriers to accessing the printed word.

Craig Bildstien

Craig Bildstien has retired in Mildura after spending most of his working life in Melbourne and Adelaide. A journalist by trade, Craig has also worked in public relations and crisis management, media and communications and government relations. He is a former Mildura City Councillor and served two terms as the State MP for Mildura in the Victorian Parliament.

John Kontrec

John Kontrec is a dedicated committee member at HotFM, bringing a strong background in business to the station. A passionate advocate for local voices and independent broadcasting, John works behind the scenes to ensure HotFM remains a vibrant hub for the Mildura community.

Robert Manger, Technical Support Manager

Rob is an enthusiastic and long time supporter of community radio. Rob is also co-owner of Audisound in Mildura.

He is the technical expert for Hot FM who maintains our audio to keep it running successfully, and trains our volunteers with all things tech – to bring you their shows.

Program Team

Fiona Mcglashan

Fiona (aka: Fi) is a member of the dynamic duo that presents “Talking Taboo” on Friday evening.

Fi brings her limitless enthusiasm to the Program Team to ensure Hot FM continues to have a variety of interesting content that reflects the diversity of the Sunraysia region.

Ivan Behsmann

Ivan Behsmann is a dedicated advocate for community radio, fueled by his unwavering passion for amplifying local voices and fostering grassroots connections. With years of hands-on experience in broadcasting, Ivan has become a cornerstone of his community’s radio scene. Whether he’s behind the mic, organizing events, or mentoring aspiring broadcasters, Ivan tirelessly champions the power of community-driven storytelling and the vital role that radio plays in empowering marginalized voices and building inclusive communities.