“I felt a strong authenticity being guided by someone who can honestly relate with your lived experience. There is a place for our own voice, here in community broadcasting.” - (Audio Ability Participant)
Applications for the next round of Audio Ability are now open until ……. You can fill out the EOI form to register your interest in the upcoming round, which will run from March to June 2026.
The Audio Ability Accessible Training and Mentorship Program is once again open for Expressions of Interest from participants and mentors!
Audio Ability is a free 16-week blended learning program that offers training and mentorship to people with disabilities who are interested in working in radio.
You and your mentor will work together to build your broadcast skills, gain confidence in the studio and learn about working and volunteering at your local community radio station.
The program includes:
- virtual workshops
- in-person training
- online self-paced modules
- personalised mentoring
This will be our sixth round of Audio Ability, with participants stating they experienced increased confidence, independence, and development of social and professional networks.
It's an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships and engage with new peers from around the nation who share common experiences and interests!
“In some ways it's a little bit like playing pass the parcel, because you peel off layers of mystery surrounding community broadcasting and discover a nice surprise which is a new ability.” - (Audio Ability Participant)
The program also helps participants to gain understanding of workplace rights and key skills through volunteer placements at community radio stations.
The biggest change I noticed is the way my daughter has been able to take part in the weekly online class with other participants from all over Australia. In the beginning she wasn't quite sure what it was all about and was quite nervous but they all worked well together and she could be herself with the group.’ - (Parent of Audio Ability Participant)
The program is also being offered in languages other than English, so if you prefer to learn or broadcast in your language, we encourage you to to put in an expression of interest.
Spaces in this program are supported by the ILC program through the Department of Social Services and there are no fees to participate.
Participant Expression of Interest
We are looking for Participants who:
- Live and operate in NSW, QLD, VIC or SA
- Identify as living with disability
- Have an interest in developing skills and knowledge in community radio or TV and ambition to work in the creative industries
- Are able to commit to a 16-week program, with flexible hours
Note:
- Prior community radio experience is non-essential
- English literacy skills are non-essential
We highly encourage people who identify as CALD, First Nations, LGBTQIA+ and youth to submit an expression of interest and take part in the program.
Applications for the next round of Audio Ability are now open until Tuesday 27 January 2026.
You can fill out the EOI to register your interest in the upcoming round, which will run from March to June 2026.
Mentor Expression of Interest
We're on the lookout for passionate radio volunteers who are keen to share their knowledge and experience of community radio with one participant to be their assigned mentee. Additionally, you will take part in weekly workshops with the wider group of participants.
While training experience is preferred, it is not essential, and every mentor will be supported by the project team throughout the course.
This is a paid role.
“There's something very self-affirming about learning things from a peer and then passing that knowledge on to another peer. This is a great process of elimination for those who want to eliminate self-doubt and insecurity.” (Audio Ability mentor)
For our mentors, CMTO is seeking radio volunteers or staff who:
- Live and operate in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA or WA
- Identify as living with disability
- Are currently affiliated with a community radio station
- Have 3+ years experience in community radio
- Are passionate about training others in radio skills
- Speak language/s other than English desirable
- Are adaptable, patient and accommodating, in order to work with those who have different learning needs
- Have experience training others in radio (preferred, but not essential)
- Are able to commit to a 16-week program, with flexible hours (approximately 3-4 hrs per week)
Note:
- Previous Audio Ability students are strongly encouraged to apply for the mentor role.
Applications for the next round of Audio Ability are now open until Tuesday 27th January 2026. You can fill out the EOI form to register your interest.