Midsumma Carnival Day once again delivered an atmosphere charged with colour, laughter and community pride. At the heart of the celebrations this year was a dynamic live broadcast uniting Vision Australia Radio and JOY Media.
Broadcasting from Alexandra Gardens, the team welcomed two special guests whose careers have been shaped by community radio, Conrad Browne, Vision Australia Radio Audio Manager and former JOY General Manager, as well as Paul Scott‑Williams, CEO of JOY Media.
From the start, the broadcast was filled with excitement. Hosts Jason and Tess described the bustling crowds gathering near the skate park, the morning sun and the return of familiar listeners eager to share the day. Their first guest, Conrad, reflected on the special meaning behind this collaboration. Having spent many years as both a JOY staff member and volunteer before joining Vision Australia Radio, he described the broadcast as his “two worlds colliding.” Bringing together queerness, disability, inclusion, and community broadcasting, he said, felt deeply meaningful and long overdue.
Conrad also spoke about the award the broadcast team received the previous year, attributing the recognition to the importance of intersectionality within community radio. Vision Australia’s listeners, he explained, embody diverse identities, including LGBTQIA+ people, and it matters that they hear content that reflects their whole selves. This year’s partnership with JOY, he joked, “ramps up the queer factor.”
The conversation soon expanded into accessibility. Vision Australia Radio’s role as an access partner for Midsumma is more than symbolic; it directly supports blind and low‑vision community members in attending and engaging with events. Conrad outlined guides, resources and program highlights designed to ensure the festival is genuinely inclusive, “Midsumma is for everyone, but also for them.”
A surprise moment unfolded as hosts realised that Paul Scott‑Williams had been patiently waiting for his turn to join the conversation. Paul, whose warmth and humour lit up the broadcast, spoke passionately about the power of community radio. He reflected on JOY’s evolution since its early days, from grassroots broadcasts (at one point powered by a donkey on a treadmill!) to today’s sophisticated, state‑wide digital reach. Paul celebrated the growth in national community radio listenership and the importance of JOY’s mission of representation, connection and resilience.
Paul also discussed a future of greater outreach broadcasting, deeper engagement across regional communities and continuing JOY’s legacy of amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices. Both he and Conrad agreed that community radio thrives when it remains human‑centred, responsive to societal change and unafraid to innovate.
As the conversation wrapped up, both guests shared their favourite Midsumma moments. Conrad reflecting on years of heartfelt listener interactions and Paul fondly recalling the beloved Midsumma dog show. Their joy was infectious, the banter effortless and the shared commitment unmistakable.
Together, Vision Australia Radio and JOY Media demonstrated the true spirit of Midsumma. Collaboration, pride, accessibility, and a celebration of every intersection that makes the community vibrant.
Midsumma Festival runs until February 8. Vision Australia Radio is a proud access and inclusion partner to the annual festival.
Hear, or read, the interview here:
