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What is the CMTO?

The Community Media Training Organisation is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID 91800), delivering nationally recognised and pathways training to community broadcasters around Australia.

Our Vision is:

Community broadcasting is at the heart of every community

The CMTO's Purpose is:

Provide training to enable skilled and sustainable community broadcasters

Read our CMTO Strategic Plan 2024-2027 here.

The CMTO is committed to delivering high quality and innovative training using the latest education tools both online and face to face.

The CMTO is a registered charity, you can view the CMTO Constitution and Latest Annual Report on the ACNC register.

The CMTO ackowledges the Community Broadcasting Foundation as a major funding partner.

Staff/Board

Geraint Davies - Chief Executive Officer

Geraint Davies geraint@cmto.org.au is the CEO at the Community Media Training Organisation and brings over 30 years of distinguished leadership experience across global operational and strategic roles, positioning him as a visionary leader to guide CMTO into an exciting future.  A seasoned media executive, Mr Davies has a proven track record in driving organisational growth, cultivating high-performing teams, and fostering innovation. Having previously worked as COO at GAMURS Group and holding executive roles at iHeartRadio Australia & Asia, ARN, and Austereo, Geraint Davies led digital transformations, business expansion, and cultural initiatives. As part of his commitment to community impact, Mr Davies has been a board director for the past eight years and is currently Chair of Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD), a disadvantaged youth charity that transforms young lives through music.

Mikaela Woodham - Pathways and Partnerships Manager

Mikaela Woodham mikaela@cmto.org.au is the Pathways and Partnerships Training Manager at the Community Media Training Organisation. Mikaela is a proud Gamilaraay woman and was an active member of the Indigenous workforce at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for years. Mikaela is a former volunteer at Koori Radio, assisting the team in production work and currently volunteers at 2RPH on Gadigal Country. Mikaela hosts a weekly program reading the Koori Mail. She has also completed a Certificate III in Screen and Media right here at the CMTO, and is currently undertaking her Certificate IV in Screen and Media with the CMTO. Outside of the CMTO, Mikaela has a passion for music and community and holds a Bachelor of Music from the Australian Institute of Music.

Alex Knysh – Training Assistant

Alex Knysh alex@cmto.org.au is the Training Assistant at the Community Media Training Organisation. Liaising with trainers and students, Alex brings her background in education, coaching, and workshop facilitating to work part time with the CMTO whilst also running her Energy Coaching business. Alex is a strong advocate for mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Bella Forti – Pathways Coordinator

Bella Forti bella@cmto.org.au is the Pathways Coordinator at the Community Media Training Organisation. Bella’s role is to connect stations with pathways trainers to get the training they need. Bella also coordinates the ‘Workshop Wednesdays’ strand of workshops. Bella found their love of community radio through Radio Skid Row (2RSR), hosting a weekly LGBTQ+ show (The Pink Glow), while also volunteering as the board secretary. They have previously attained a Diploma of Business and are currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies and Film Studies.

Gemma Purves – Course Coordinator: Audio Ability

Gemma Purves gemma@cmto.org.au is the Project Manager for Access and Inclusion and the AudioAbility program. She has more than 10 years’ experience across community, commercial and public broadcasting as a journalist, producer, station manager, content and communications manager, and board member. She has presented a variety of programs including From the Chamber, a weekly show exploring local council issues. Gemma is committed to supporting the sector to become more accessible and inclusive and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.  

Karen Kundicevic – Compliance and Finance & Resource Development Officer

Karen Kundicevic karen@cmto.org.au is the Compliance and Finance & Resource Development Officer at the Community Media Training Organisation. Karen has over eight years of experience in the VET sector.  Karen has an extensive finance background and has worked as an Accounting Trainer and Assessor. Karen also has experience in developing accounting resources. Karen has also worked on the former Australian TV show Horse Talk TV. Karen holds a number of qualifications including the Diploma of Training Design and Development.
Image of Christine Ocon, smiling, wearing a grey jumper

Christine Ocon - Office and Team Support Coordinator

Christine Ocon christine@cmto.org.au is pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology while working part-time at the Community Media Training Organisation as an Office and Team Support Coordinator. She is passionate about applying her studies in real-world settings, developing new skills, and contributing to a team that makes a positive impact in the community.

Jane Connors - Chair

Jane Connors joined Community Radio Station 2XX in Canberra as a 15 year-old volunteer, and was there almost everyday for 8 years. She was later a member of the history show collective at 2SER, before getting an internship with the Social History Unit at ABC in 1989. She stayed at the ABC until the end of 2023, working as a producer, EP, and manager (including Manager of Radio National for 6 years), editorial policies advisor and trainer. From 2018-2023, she was the staff-elected director on the ABC Board.

Jane Newton - Director

Jane Newton is the Head of Curriculum at AFTRS, where she oversees the continuous improvement of curriculum and works with all course teams to design, develop and enhance their programs. She also facilitates a program of professional development and support for teachers across all of the AFTRS course offerings. Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education, majoring in performance studies, and a Master of Education (Learning and Leadership).

A qualified high school teacher, Jane has also worked extensively in state government, not-for-profit and arts sectors as an educator and VET specialist, with curriculum design and compliance being her key areas of experience and interest. Jane previously worked for Create NSW as Sector Investment Manager (Arts) and for NIDA as the Manager of Vocational Studies.

Jane is on curriculum advisory boards for Deakin University and the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA).

Chris Leese - Director

Chris Leese Chris comes from a broad background in purposeful media, arts and management with a longstanding commitment to real opportunities and genuine pathways for emerging media and creative professionals. In his role as Business Development Manager at Channel 44 Adelaide (2020-present), Chris delivers partnerships between community TV and SA's biggest arts, cultural and higher education institutions, as well as leading the station's transition to a digital future. Before that, as Station Manager at Radio Adelaide (2016-2020), Chris oversaw one of Australia's most prolific media training grounds, leading Australia's longest-running community radio station through its tumultuous transition to independence from the University of Adelaide. Chris was also the Treasurer of the board which stepped in to save The Mercury (2022-2023) from closure, when the iconic Adelaide independent cinema and industry development hub was struck with financial difficulties.

Dre ‘MoZzi’ Ngatokorua

Dre Ngatokorua- Director

Dre ‘MoZzi’ Ngatokorua is an Adnyamathanha and Wangkangurru, Cook Island and Maori Broadcaster at Umeewarra media, Dre started as a trainee in 2013 while he was at school as a volunteer and has rocked the studio ever since with the ‘Straight Out Show’ which give focus to youth issues and voice to young people in the Port Augusta community. Dre brings a new mindset to the team through his music selection and topic he covers – encouraging other young people to have a voice. Dre has been running DJ workshops, school excursion talks and the ‘MoZzi X Inkatja’ Show multimedia cultural experience at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Dre always has fresh ideas and comes at everything from a youth perspective.

Jon Bisset- Director

Jon Bisset is passionate about the non-profit and charity sector having spent more than 30 years as a Chief Executive and non-executive director. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) as well as CEO for Disability Media Australia, the peak body for the Radio Reading Network, community media empowering Australians with a print disability. The CBAA and Disability Media Australia's member stations actively broadcast nationwide to an audience of over 5 million people per week. Jon is also a Non-Executive Director of the Community Council for Australia; a Non-Executive Director of Spots and Space Pty Ltd; a Non-Executive Director of Community Media Training Organisation and the Chair of the Local Independent News Association.

Matt Field - Director

Matt Field is the CEO of Attitude Foundation - a disability led media organisation shaping a new understanding of disability through the development and promotion of media content. Matt is also currently working with the Community Broadcasting Association Australia to provide leadership support to the Radio Reading sector and explore new opportunities to increase engagement with the broader disability community. Matt has a  long association with the Community Media sector and was previously CEO of Melbourne’s Community TV Station, C31 and Secretary of the Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA). Matt is passionate about the power of media to increase social cohesion through authentic portrayals of diversity.

Image of Nathan brown smiling with a grey cap on and dark long sleeve shirt. Holding a tea bag over a cup.

Nathan Brown - Director

Nathan Brown is someone who revels in activating new opportunities and achieving change for the better. He is compelled to help people achieve their goals, loves networking and connecting with people and has a strong responsibility and is belief bent. Developing coalitions that form catalytic greenhouses - incubators that advocate unity, excellence, creativity and agency for Kingdom outcomes is where he thrives.

Image of Pradeep wearing a green t-shirt, in a radio or podcast studio wearing headphones

Pradeep Timalsina - Director

Pradeep Timalsina is originally from Nepal and migrated to Australia in 2008. Pradeep has produced fortnightly TV shows for the Television Sydney in 2011 and worked as a founder producer of My Nepal Television Australia.  Pradeep has been with CMS Radio FM 91.1 Canberra since 2014, before he was with Northside Radio from 2008 to 2014.  He is a director of the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council. Pradeep has over 20 years of experience in the audio video sector.  Pradeep has an extensive audio video production background and has worked as an audio video Trainer. He has taught audio video production to the new film makers and radio presenters. Besides volunteering at Community Radio, he is active on social media platforms producing content for the Nepalese listeners.

Geraint Davies - Chief Executive Officer

Geraint Davies geraint@cmto.org.au is the CEO at the Community Media Training Organisation and brings over 30 years of distinguished leadership experience across global operational and strategic roles, positioning him as a visionary leader to guide CMTO into an exciting future.  A seasoned media executive, Mr Davies has a proven track record in driving organisational growth, cultivating high-performing teams, and fostering innovation. Having previously worked as COO at GAMURS Group and holding executive roles at iHeartRadio Australia & Asia, ARN, and Austereo, Geraint Davies led digital transformations, business expansion, and cultural initiatives. As part of his commitment to community impact, Mr Davies has been a board director for the past eight years and is currently Chair of Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD), a disadvantaged youth charity that transforms young lives through music.

Mikaela Woodham - Pathways and Partnerships Manager

Mikaela Woodham mikaela@cmto.org.au is the Pathways and Partnerships Training Manager at the Community Media Training Organisation. Mikaela is a proud Gamilaraay woman and was an active member of the Indigenous workforce at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for years. Mikaela is a former volunteer at Koori Radio, assisting the team in production work and currently volunteers at 2RPH on Gadigal Country. Mikaela hosts a weekly program reading the Koori Mail. She has also completed a Certificate III in Screen and Media right here at the CMTO, and is currently undertaking her Certificate IV in Screen and Media with the CMTO. Outside of the CMTO, Mikaela has a passion for music and community and holds a Bachelor of Music from the Australian Institute of Music.

Alex Knysh – Training Assistant

Alex Knysh alex@cmto.org.au is the Training Assistant at the Community Media Training Organisation. Liaising with trainers and students, Alex brings her background in education, coaching, and workshop facilitating to work part time with the CMTO whilst also running her Energy Coaching business. Alex is a strong advocate for mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Bella Forti – Pathways Coordinator

Bella Forti bella@cmto.org.au is the Pathways Coordinator at the Community Media Training Organisation. Bella’s role is to connect stations with pathways trainers to get the training they need. Bella also coordinates the ‘Workshop Wednesdays’ strand of workshops. Bella found their love of community radio through Radio Skid Row (2RSR), hosting a weekly LGBTQ+ show (The Pink Glow), while also volunteering as the board secretary. They have previously attained a Diploma of Business and are currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies and Film Studies.

Gemma Purves – Course Coordinator: Audio Ability

Gemma Purves gemma@cmto.org.au is the Project Manager for Access and Inclusion and the AudioAbility program. She has more than 10 years’ experience across community, commercial and public broadcasting as a journalist, producer, station manager, content and communications manager, and board member. She has presented a variety of programs including From the Chamber, a weekly show exploring local council issues. Gemma is committed to supporting the sector to become more accessible and inclusive and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.  

Karen Kundicevic – Compliance and Finance & Resource Development Officer

Karen Kundicevic karen@cmto.org.au is the Compliance and Finance & Resource Development Officer at the Community Media Training Organisation. Karen has over eight years of experience in the VET sector.  Karen has an extensive finance background and has worked as an Accounting Trainer and Assessor. Karen also has experience in developing accounting resources. Karen has also worked on the former Australian TV show Horse Talk TV. Karen holds a number of qualifications including the Diploma of Training Design and Development.
Image of Christine Ocon, smiling, wearing a grey jumper

Christine Ocon - Office and Team Support Coordinator

Christine Ocon christine@cmto.org.au is pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology while working part-time at the Community Media Training Organisation as an Office and Team Support Coordinator. She is passionate about applying her studies in real-world settings, developing new skills, and contributing to a team that makes a positive impact in the community.

Jane Connors - Chair

Jane Connors joined Community Radio Station 2XX in Canberra as a 15 year-old volunteer, and was there almost everyday for 8 years. She was later a member of the history show collective at 2SER, before getting an internship with the Social History Unit at ABC in 1989. She stayed at the ABC until the end of 2023, working as a producer, EP, and manager (including Manager of Radio National for 6 years), editorial policies advisor and trainer. From 2018-2023, she was the staff-elected director on the ABC Board.

Jane Newton - Director

Jane Newton is the Head of Curriculum at AFTRS, where she oversees the continuous improvement of curriculum and works with all course teams to design, develop and enhance their programs. She also facilitates a program of professional development and support for teachers across all of the AFTRS course offerings. Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education, majoring in performance studies, and a Master of Education (Learning and Leadership).

A qualified high school teacher, Jane has also worked extensively in state government, not-for-profit and arts sectors as an educator and VET specialist, with curriculum design and compliance being her key areas of experience and interest. Jane previously worked for Create NSW as Sector Investment Manager (Arts) and for NIDA as the Manager of Vocational Studies.

Jane is on curriculum advisory boards for Deakin University and the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA).

Chris Leese - Director

Chris Leese Chris comes from a broad background in purposeful media, arts and management with a longstanding commitment to real opportunities and genuine pathways for emerging media and creative professionals. In his role as Business Development Manager at Channel 44 Adelaide (2020-present), Chris delivers partnerships between community TV and SA's biggest arts, cultural and higher education institutions, as well as leading the station's transition to a digital future. Before that, as Station Manager at Radio Adelaide (2016-2020), Chris oversaw one of Australia's most prolific media training grounds, leading Australia's longest-running community radio station through its tumultuous transition to independence from the University of Adelaide. Chris was also the Treasurer of the board which stepped in to save The Mercury (2022-2023) from closure, when the iconic Adelaide independent cinema and industry development hub was struck with financial difficulties.

Dre ‘MoZzi’ Ngatokorua

Dre Ngatokorua- Director

Dre ‘MoZzi’ Ngatokorua is an Adnyamathanha and Wangkangurru, Cook Island and Maori Broadcaster at Umeewarra media, Dre started as a trainee in 2013 while he was at school as a volunteer and has rocked the studio ever since with the ‘Straight Out Show’ which give focus to youth issues and voice to young people in the Port Augusta community. Dre brings a new mindset to the team through his music selection and topic he covers – encouraging other young people to have a voice. Dre has been running DJ workshops, school excursion talks and the ‘MoZzi X Inkatja’ Show multimedia cultural experience at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Dre always has fresh ideas and comes at everything from a youth perspective.

Jon Bisset- Director

Jon Bisset is passionate about the non-profit and charity sector having spent more than 30 years as a Chief Executive and non-executive director. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) as well as CEO for Disability Media Australia, the peak body for the Radio Reading Network, community media empowering Australians with a print disability. The CBAA and Disability Media Australia's member stations actively broadcast nationwide to an audience of over 5 million people per week. Jon is also a Non-Executive Director of the Community Council for Australia; a Non-Executive Director of Spots and Space Pty Ltd; a Non-Executive Director of Community Media Training Organisation and the Chair of the Local Independent News Association.

Matt Field - Director

Matt Field is the CEO of Attitude Foundation - a disability led media organisation shaping a new understanding of disability through the development and promotion of media content. Matt is also currently working with the Community Broadcasting Association Australia to provide leadership support to the Radio Reading sector and explore new opportunities to increase engagement with the broader disability community. Matt has a  long association with the Community Media sector and was previously CEO of Melbourne’s Community TV Station, C31 and Secretary of the Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA). Matt is passionate about the power of media to increase social cohesion through authentic portrayals of diversity.

Image of Nathan brown smiling with a grey cap on and dark long sleeve shirt. Holding a tea bag over a cup.

Nathan Brown - Director

Nathan Brown is someone who revels in activating new opportunities and achieving change for the better. He is compelled to help people achieve their goals, loves networking and connecting with people and has a strong responsibility and is belief bent. Developing coalitions that form catalytic greenhouses - incubators that advocate unity, excellence, creativity and agency for Kingdom outcomes is where he thrives.

Image of Pradeep wearing a green t-shirt, in a radio or podcast studio wearing headphones

Pradeep Timalsina - Director

Pradeep Timalsina is originally from Nepal and migrated to Australia in 2008. Pradeep has produced fortnightly TV shows for the Television Sydney in 2011 and worked as a founder producer of My Nepal Television Australia.  Pradeep has been with CMS Radio FM 91.1 Canberra since 2014, before he was with Northside Radio from 2008 to 2014.  He is a director of the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council. Pradeep has over 20 years of experience in the audio video sector.  Pradeep has an extensive audio video production background and has worked as an audio video Trainer. He has taught audio video production to the new film makers and radio presenters. Besides volunteering at Community Radio, he is active on social media platforms producing content for the Nepalese listeners.

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