The Westsider is thrilled to kick off its community podcast training program, made possible by a successful $17,000 grant from Volunteering Victoria. With this funding, we are empowering local voices to share their stories through podcasting—creating a new platform for our community to be heard on Westsider Internet Radio.
Over the next 10 weeks, 15 participants are taking part in a hands-on training program at Newport Community Centre, led by experienced podcasting lecturers from RMIT University. This initiative is not just about technical skills — it’s about amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering storytelling that reflects the depth and vibrancy of Melbourne’s west.
Empowering our community’s voices
Our participants come from all corners of The Westsider community, including members from Wyndham Women, Viet Speak, and The Rest of Us — organisations dedicated to women’s support, migrant voices, and celebrating the Vietnamese language. Each participant already contributes in some way to The Westsider’s stories, and this program will give them the tools to take their storytelling to the next level through audio content.
The training covers all aspects of podcast production, from concept development and interviewing skills to audio recording, editing, and broadcasting. With support from the experienced team at RMIT, our participants will develop, record, and produce their own podcasts, which will be aired on Westsider Radio’s new internet radio station.
The power of podcasting
Podcasting offers an accessible and powerful way for people to share personal experiences, explore important community issues, and connect with new audiences. This program is designed to equip volunteers with lifelong media skills, increasing their confidence and ability to contribute meaningfully to independent community journalism.
By the end of the program, each participant will have created a finished podcast episode—their own unique contribution to Westsider Radio’s programming. These episodes will bring fresh, diverse voices to our platform and ensure our media reflects the lived experiences of the people in our community.
What’s next?
This training program is just the beginning. With the momentum from this grant, we are building a strong foundation for volunteer-driven media at Westsider Radio. As our radio station grows, we are exploring new ways to support local content creators, expand our digital reach, and create opportunities for community members to engage with independent media.
Stay tuned for updates as our participants take their first steps into the world of podcasting—their voices, their stories, their Westsider.
