Bowen’s own Vennesa Locke has been announced a finalist for her Contribution to Australian Music, by the Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copywrite Owners Society (APRA AMCOS).
Vennesa’s show, broadcast on 95.1 GEMFM, is “The Alternative Goodness Session”, and sees Vennesa promote awesome Australian and local independent, original music.
“I like to support local emerging artists and live music events,” Vennesa explained.
“My show is a discovery music show.”
Having been an avid listener of GemFM for years, and regularly ringing the channel to make song requests, the station approached Vennesa and asked if she was interested in her own show.
“We talked, and because of my work, I got an evening show,” she explained.
“I went in for training and never looked back, and now it’s been two and a half years.”
For the Awards, she was approached by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBBA) to submit an entry.
“The process was extensive, but it’s exciting to be announced a finalist, said Vannesa.
“And even if I don’t win, it will be exciting to be a part of the conference, to network with other broadcasters, and to be a part of it all.”
Vennesa is only one of six to be a finalist for award.
“And to be from small Bowen? Amazing.”
Station Manager Brian Winterburn was thrilled with Vennesa’s nomination.
“Congratulations Vennesa, from humble beginnings to be listed in the seven finalists Australia wide,” he said.
“This is no small feat. On behalf of all our members, I would wish you all the best fortune in the forthcoming determination. What a great achievement.”
