3KND get the green light for a $4.69 million upgrade
After four years of planning, radio station 3KND has been given the green light to move into a brand new home in Preston under a massive expansion. The upgrade will open the door to a dedicated news service and nearly 20 new jobs.
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Melbourne’s only indigenous radio station has been given the green light to expand into a $4.69 million state-of-the-art studio in Preston — but it will need to find the cash for the fit out.
Darebin Council this week signed off on renovations for when 3KND (Kool N Deadly) moves into the former Preston police station in Roseberry St under a 40-year peppercorn lease.
But it will not pay for the renovation.
The council first promised the site in 2017 after 3KND outgrew its purpose-built studios in Mary St, Preston.
3KND communications officer Erica Higgins said the expansion would include a bigger broadcasting operation, a news service and community training on site.
She also hoped to boost the number of full-time jobs at the station from 6.5 to 25.
Ms Higgins said the renovations would be paid for through a mix of grants, donations and its own funds.
She was confident the station would get the required cash from various levels of government.
The station is in a temporary home at the Darebin North East Community Hub in Bundoora, which 3KND communication officer Erica Higgins said they had easily outgrown.
“We’re very grateful to (Darebin Council) to have that space but it’s not big enough,” she said.
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Darebin councillor Gaetano Greco said the new radio and community hub would be something to be proud of.
Ms Higgins said approval from the council was proof they are committed to working with all aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups in Darebin.
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“The unanimous decision was a major achievement and major endorsement that they believe in us and our ability to complete this project,” she said.
Ms Higgins said they expect to be live and operating from the new building within two years.
You can listen to 3KND on digital radio, 1503AM or at 3knd.org.au
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