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Victorian Community Station Apple 98.5 FM Calling Upon Listeners To Help Ward Off Closure

Tyler Jenke

“If this happens Bacchus Marsh and Moorabool will be without a community radio station," station organisers told listeners last month.

Apple 98.5 FM
Apple 98.5 FM(Credit: Supplied)

Victorian community radio station Apple 98.5 FM has told listeners they’re facing impending closure, launching a fundraiser to avoid that less-than desirable possibility.

The station, which broadcasts under the 3APL call sign and services the Bacchus Marsh area, was first granted its broadcasting license in October 1986, but just last month, organisers took to their website to reveal that its exit from the airwaves was imminent.

“It is with great sadness to announce that after almost 40 years 3APL Apple 98.5fm (Bacchus Marsh Community Radio Inc) will cease broadcasting on Sunday the 5th of July 2026, with the community group to be wound up shortly afterwards,” a post on the station’s website read.

“While it is sad that the station is wrapping up, we are proud of all that ‘The Voice Of The Valley’ has accomplished.”

Just over a week later, the station shared another post confirming that they were in “financial strife”, adding that “unless things turn around we will cease broadcasting” at midday on July 5th.

“If this happens Bacchus Marsh and Moorabool will be without a community radio station, and it is highly unlikely that the area will be granted another one in the future,” they explained.

Alongside the announcement, the station revealed that they would be hosting a ‘50s rock and roll dance fundraiser at the Bacchus Marsh Shire Hall on Saturday, July 4th, and also launched a GoFundMe campaign.

Details of the campaign revealed that the station is hoping to raise a total of $25,000 to stay on the airwaves, though its GoFundMe goal is only set at $8,000. Currently, they’ve raised just over half of that figure.

Tickets to Apple 98.5 FM’s fundraising dance are on sale now, with tickets available directly through station president Karellyn Dangar. Those wishing to support the station can do so via its GoFundMe campaign, or via direct donations. Contact details are available via the station’s website.

Apple 98.5 FM isn’t the only community station to face impending closure in recent times, with beloved Sydney broadcaster 2SER revealing in April it could leave the airwaves in July after Macquarie University ceased funding for the station.

This week, it was announced that a reduced capacity model has allowed the station to continue. Ideally, similarly positive news is on the way for Apple 98.5 FM, too.