Perth Hills Radio Finds New Dial Home at 88.9FM

When regulators forced Kalamunda Community Radio to give up its longtime home at 102.5FM, the station's volunteers didn't complain. They saw something better waiting at the other end of the dial.

The Perth Hills station moved to 88.9FM after the Australian Communications and Media Authority redistributed frequencies to make room for ABC stations moving from AM to FM. For most stations, losing a familiar frequency would spell disaster.

But station chair Roger Jennings says the move solved a problem they didn't realize they had. Sandwiched between powerful commercial stations at 102.5, their lower-power community signal was nearly invisible to car radios that automatically scan for stations.

"Auto-tuning radios in cars just skips over us," Jennings explained. "Down in the 88.9 area, we're more likely to be found."

The station has run entirely on volunteers, grants, and sponsorship since 2000. About 30 dedicated presenters show up every single week to share their musical passions, from 20th-century classical to Americana and folk.

Jennings hosts a Sunday evening program playing complete classical works from the 1900s. He digs deep into his personal collection to feature composers and pieces that never get airtime elsewhere, even on ABC stations.

The Ripple Effect

Kalamunda Community Radio fills gaps that bigger broadcasters can't touch. While metro stations cover headlines and hit songs, KCR tells neighbors about the upcoming Kalamunda show, local issues that need attention, and community events happening in their backyard.

The station started broadcasting from cells in the old Kalamunda Police station. Jennings remembers the space being soundproof but claustrophobic. State government funding later helped them build purpose-designed studios at Gooseberry Hill Community Centre.

The move to professional studios matched the station's growing reach. They now stream online to listeners around the world, though Jennings admits they can't afford audience surveys to know exact numbers. Social media engagement gives them clues that people are tuning in.

The frequency switch happened in late February 2026, and the station is counting on loyal listeners to find them at their new home. Jennings says the goal now is simple: help people discover 88.9FM and keep their volunteer presenters excited about sharing the music they love.

Sometimes a forced change opens unexpected doors.