About Apple 98.5FM

Apple 98.5FM (3APL) is your local community radio station, operated by Bacchus Marsh Community Radio Inc. and run by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about our community.

Based at Darley Hub, we serve Bacchus Marsh and the surrounding Moorabool Shire, bringing people together through music, information and local events.

We are a member of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and a registered charity.

Our programs

Our programs reflect the diverse interests of our community. From hard rock and metal to rockabilly and modern hits, there is something for a wide range of musical tastes.

Alongside our music shows, we broadcast informative, multicultural and religious programs, providing opportunities for different voices and perspectives to be heard.

Supporting our community

We support local events through outside broadcasts, community involvement and fundraising activities. Events we have been involved with include:

• ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies
• Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show
• Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival
• Ballan Autumn Festival
• Ballarat Football Netball League, including Bacchus Marsh and Darley home games
• Car shows
• Christmas festivals and Carols by Candlelight
• Darley Market
• Fundraising barbecues
• Greek Food and Olive Festival
• Halloween Festival
• Pulse Mini Market
• Relay for Life
• Spring Festival
• The Big 80’s Party
• Walk With Her

And many more events that bring our community together.

Read about our history on Wikipedia

Notable Alumni:
Claire Stuchbery, host of “Firewater” on PBS FM Melbourne
Matilda Marozzi, journalist and producer at ABC Radio
Michael Clough, commentator for Foxtel’s broadcasts of the Australian Ice Hockey League

Become a member of Apple 98.5FM

Apple 98.5FM is powered by people who care about their community. Our members contribute their time, skills and enthusiasm to keep the station running and help local voices be heard across Bacchus Marsh and the surrounding region.

Whether you enjoy being behind the microphone, helping at community events or working behind the scenes, membership is a great way to get involved and support local community radio.

Ways to get involved

Our members support the station in many ways, including:

• Presenting programs: Sharing music, stories, interests and community information on air.
• Outside broadcasts: Helping with event preparation, equipment setup and broadcasting from local events.
• Technical support: Assisting with studio equipment, computers and broadcast systems.
• Voice-overs and production: Recording announcements, station promotions and other audio content.
• Administration: Helping with records, enquiries, organisation and the everyday tasks that keep the station operating.
• Community connections: Building relationships with local groups and helping promote station activities.

Whatever your interests or experience, we would love to hear how you would like to contribute.

Supporting young people

We also run programs that help young people develop their skills and confidence through community radio. By participating on air and behind the scenes, they can build communication and teamwork skills, learn about broadcasting equipment and gain practical experience in a supportive environment.

Join our station community

To apply for membership, complete our online membership application form.

If you have questions about membership or would like to discuss how you can get involved, email info@apple985fm.com.au.

Sponsor Apple 98.5FM

Promote your business and support local community radio by becoming a sponsor of Apple 98.5FM.

Our sponsors receive:

• Tailored sponsorship announcements: Announcements created for your business and broadcast regularly across a variety of programs.
• Facebook promotion: Opportunities to promote your business through our station’s Facebook page.
• Website recognition: Your business logo displayed on our website.

Your sponsorship also supports an active community organisation run by dedicated volunteers. It helps us keep local voices on air, share community information and participate in events across Bacchus Marsh and the surrounding region.

Sponsorship information and rates

View our sponsorship form and rates for more information.

To enquire about becoming a sponsor or discuss options for your business, email sponsorship@apple985fm.com.au.

Bring Apple 98.5FM to your event

Our outside broadcasts take community radio beyond the studio, connecting with local people and sharing what’s happening across Bacchus Marsh and the surrounding region.

Community events

Organising a festival, fundraiser, market or community celebration? Contact us to discuss having Apple 98.5FM’s outside broadcast van at your event.

Email outdoorbroadcasts@apple985fm.com.au.

Business events

If you would like Apple 98.5FM to broadcast from your business event, contact our sponsorship team to discuss the options.

Email sponsorship@apple985fm.com.au.

When getting in touch, please include your event’s name, date, location and a brief description, along with your contact details.

Apple 98.5fm broadcast from the lands of both the Wurundjeri and Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation.
We acknowledge and pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging

Codes of Practice

Apple 98.5FM (3APL) operates in accordance with the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025). These Codes were developed by the community broadcasting sector and registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The Codes set standards for programming, community participation, governance, sponsorship and complaints handling.

• Read the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice
• Read the Community Broadcasting Sponsorship Guidelines

Making a complaint

We welcome feedback from our listeners and take complaints seriously. If you believe Apple 98.5FM has breached the Codes, please contact us in writing.

Email info@apple985fm.com.au, or write to:

Apple 98.5FM
PO Box 458
Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340

Please include:

• Your name and contact details.
• The date, time and program name, if your complaint concerns a broadcast.
• A description of your concerns.
• The Code you believe has been breached, if known.

Complaints about broadcast material must be received within 30 days of the relevant broadcast.

We will acknowledge Code complaints promptly in writing and provide a written response as soon as practicable, no later than 60 days after receiving the complaint.

Referring your complaint to ACMA

If you are dissatisfied with our response, or have not received a response within 60 days, you may refer your Code complaint to ACMA.

Visit ACMA’s TV and radio complaints page for information about lodging a complaint.

Complaints about suspected breaches of our licence conditions or the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 may also be made directly to ACMA.

AGM minutes and annual reports

Apple 98.5FM is committed to transparent and accountable governance.

Under Code 2.2, our constitution, governance policies and annual reports, including annual financial statements, must be freely available.

Our AGM minutes and reports can be accessed below:

View AGM minutes and reports

Constitution and policies

These documents explain how our station is governed and outline expectations for volunteers and members.

• Constitution

• Volunteer Members Handbook