Staffing Changes at 3MDR – Thank you Ren!

Dear 3MDR community

I am writing to let you know about some staffing changes that are happening at 3MDR.

After almost 13 years, Ren has decided that it is time to step down from her role as Engagement Coordinator.

While this is very sad news, Ren will remain as a valued 3MDR presenter on The Dotted Line, and will continue to share their vast knowledge and skills with 3MDR in a volunteer capacity.

Ren has given so much to 3MDR, and has helped us grow into the amazing, inclusive, vibrant community organisation that we are today. Ren has used her passion for community radio to be a fierce advocate for 3MDR and has helped to raise our profile in the local music and broadcasting sector.

On a personal note, I have learnt so much from Ren. They have been a massive support for me throughout my involvement at 3MDR, as a presenter, committee member and now Station Manager. I would not be where I am today without her support and generosity.

Ren has made it clear that she does not want any big leaving party or anything like that (in Ren’s words, strictly no hoo-hah!), but I’m sure you can catch her down at the Fat Goat next Friday night for a quiet beer.

With Ren’s departure from the staff team, we have re-evaluated our staffing structure and will be focusing more resources on programming. Some of Ren’s duties will now be looked after by myself, with support from the Committee of Management, and others will fall under the Program Coordinator role.

As such, I would to like to announce that Celeste Willoughby will now be working 2 days per week in the Program Coordinator role. Celeste has been involved with 3MDR for many years, and has been performing the Program Coordinator role in a volunteer capacity until now. Celeste has proven herself to be organised, diligent and community-minded. She is an great communicator and will be able to provide excellent support to our presenters and all of our on-air programming.

I am super excited to be working more closely with Celeste to ensure that all of our presenters are supported to continue to produce great radio!

 

Best wishes,

Michelle Gearon

Station Manager

 

Some words from our President –

As many of you will already know, our wonderful Engagement Coordinator, Ren, will be finishing up in the office on Friday 14th August. After many years in the role, she’s decided it’s time for someone else to take the reins. The good news is she’s not going anywhere – she’ll remain a valued part of the 3MDR family as a presenter and volunteer.

On behalf of the Committee, we’d like to sincerely thank Ren for everything she’s contributed to the station over the years. Her passion, warmth and commitment have helped shape 3MDR into the community it is today, and we’re incredibly grateful for all she’s done. We know you’ll all join us in wishing her the very best for this next chapter.

As part of this transition Celeste will be increasing her role to two days a week, taking on many of the engagement responsibilities alongside her existing Program Coordinator work. We’re delighted to have her stepping into the expanded role and look forward to continuing to support the station with her in the office.

– Ben Langdon, 3MDR President

 

Some words from Ren –

My 3MDR fam bam,

In the words of Moloko:
“Give up yourself unto the moment
The time is now”

This perfectly captures my reasons for finishing up in the office.
To be honest, I’m tired and 3MDR is a lot to carry… The good and the bad…
It’s relentless, demanding and the ‘To Do’ list is never ending…
It is also unique, fun and like nowhere else I have ever worked… The people I’ve met and the music I’ve discovered have been epic and, man, have I learned a new skill or two!

I am so excited to keep volunteering at 3MDR and support Michelle & Celeste, as they carve out the next part of the station’s journey together. They are absolutely fabulous custodians and, with all our support, 3MDR will continue achieve amazing things.

So it’s not goodbye…
I’ll see you at the next 3MDR thing.

Yours in Community Radio,

Ren

 

Some words from Celeste –

I couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity to ‘level up’ my involvement at 3MDR, expanding my volunteer duties as Program Coordinator into a formal position on staff where I can make a meaningful impact.

I originally joined the Programming Committee back in 2018 and stepped up to chair the committee in 2019. After several years’ hiatus, I returned in 2025 as a presenter and resumed volunteering as Program Coordinator with increased duties and my skills and personal investment in the station has continued to grow.

I’m really grateful to have this chance to carve out substantial, dedicated time in my week to do justice to the remarkable programs we have and the legacy of those who have built this station up to be what it is, now 40 years on. I’ve been a part of the hills community since 2013 and love the diverse and creative community we share.

I’d love to hear from you and I’m so excited to be able to support our volunteers to the very best of my abilities!

Best wishes,

Celeste Willoughby
Program Coordinator, 3MDR