HASTINGS — Western Port has a new voice on the airwaves with the official launch of Radio Westernport, a community-driven online radio platform created by Atticus Health, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire and Western Port Secondary College.
The station, two and a half years in the making, was officially launched this week at its home base in Hastings. It provides locals with a space to share stories, explore ideas and connect through community-led podcasting and radio-style content.
Station Manager Brett said the vision originated with Dr Floyd Gomes, Managing Director of Atticus Health, who was inspired by a patient-run radio station in Carrum over a decade ago.
“Floyd always loved the idea of people in the community getting on the radio and sharing stories—whether it was about music, frogs, or anything they were passionate about,” Brett said. “He wanted to bring that same concept to Western Port, where he already had a strong connection through his clinics in Hastings, Somerville and Bittern.”
Radio Westernport is currently operating as a podcast-style platform, with pre-recorded episodes published on radiowesternport.org. The aim is to eventually grow into a live-streaming station and extend its reach to other communities around Western Port Bay—including as far as Phillip Island.
“This is about giving Western Port a voice,” Brett said. “We’ve seen firsthand how much it means to people. We’ve got retirees, young students, locals—everyone’s welcome, and everyone has something valuable to say.”
The station has already drawn interest from a range of potential hosts, including Joe, a retired Hastings local in his 80s, who now presents The Joe Show—a weekly look at local history and community life.
Another standout voice on Radio Westernport is Hannah Swinnerton, host of Inspired to Soar.
A passionate mental health and anti-bullying advocate, Swinnerton uses her platform to share raw and uplifting conversations with guests who have overcome significant adversity. Drawing from her own experiences with bullying and mental health challenges, she aims to inspire listeners to transform pain into power and challenges into change. The podcast features stories of resilience and healing, offering tools and mindsets to help others grow and thrive.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillor Kate Roper welcomed the initiative, saying it adds real value to the Western Port community.
“It’s great to see something like this in Western Port and it’s wonderful to see a group like Atticus support education and the community,” Cr Roper said. “This will be well utilised by students learning how to create podcasts.”
Radio Westernport will also provide hands-on learning opportunities for local students, with support from Western Port Secondary College. Brett said students will be able to practice scriptwriting, recording, and producing their own content with mentorship available.
“If someone’s keen to get started, all they need to do is contact me,” Brett said. “I’m here every Tuesday, but I’m flexible and happy to help people get comfortable behind the mic.”
As the station grows, Brett hopes to see more volunteers get involved—whether as show hosts, mentors, editors, or producers.
“The dream is to build a real community around Radio Westernport, where people support one another, share their skills, and give something back,” he said.
The station is now accepting new contributors. To get involved or start your own show, visit radiowesternport.org or email the station team.
