Kiama Community Radio is celebrating a major milestone, having reached 500 locally produced podcast episodes since launching in mid-2020.

Founded as a pandemic project by three passionate locals, the community-driven station has grown into a trusted voice for the Kiama region, capturing the stories, music and conversations that shape local life.

“This has been an extraordinary journey,” KCR founding member Madeleine Scarfe said.

“I’ve been putting together the podcasts because it’s pivotal to KCR’s mission to be the voice of our community, capturing a snapshot of life in this place and time for future generations.”

The 500-episode achievement reflects hundreds of interviews with artists, community leaders and changemakers, along with countless hours of behind-the-scenes work from its small team of volunteers.

The idea for KCR emerged in March 2020 as COVID-19 lockdowns began. Scarfe was one of three founders, alongside Karen Renkema-Lang and Graeme Gherashe.

“The original idea came from Cathy Law (then owner of The Bugle), and the three of us took it up,” Scarfe said.

“We started out meeting on Zoom and recording on our phones. We published a notice in The Bugle and soon gathered a skilled and willing group of contributors.”

Early volunteers included Diana McLaren, who set up the podcasting service and designed the website and graphics, along with Gabi Cabral, who brought radio experience, and Helen Lear.

“Everyone simply contributed what they could. Karen had governance expertise, Graeme was a project manager, and together we managed to establish KCR as an incorporated association and launched podcasting in July 2020,” Scarfe said.

KCR has become a hub for local voices and special-interest groups, as well as playing an important role in preserving Kiama’s oral history.

“We record historical society meetings relevant to Kiama because that’s a record of our oral history, and many of the presenters won’t be around forever,” Scarfe said.

“We’re always keen to welcome new volunteers who want to be part of a friendly, creative community radio team.”

KCR chair Glenn Shepherd, host of Around the Arenas, said the 500-podcast mark was a tribute to community pride and persistence.

“This achievement proves how much our community values having a local voice,” he said.

“From the playing fields to the Council Chambers, we’ve created a platform that genuinely reflects life in Kiama and surrounds. I’m proud to be part of something so real and so local.”