North West FM, the long-standing community broadcaster in Hadfield, Victoria, will relaunch as Nest Radio on Sunday 30 August, organisers have announced. The station will keep the original broadcast licence issued in 1993 and retain its familiar presenters and programme mix while unveiling a new name and visual identity.
Community-led rebrand and launch party
The rebrand, described by station leadership as a recognition of the area’s geography and community spirit, will be marked with a public launch at the station’s studios behind the Hadfield Community Centre. The Launch Party runs from 11:00 to 14:00 and will include a community barbecue, live performances from local artists and an open invitation for listeners to record IDs and jingles at the station.
- What: Nest Radio Launch Party
- When: 11:00–14:00, Sunday 30 August 2026
- Where: Nest Radio Studios, 100 Middle St, Hadfield (behind the Hadfield Community Centre)
- FM: 98.9 FM (no change)
Station leadership says the relaunch is intended to preserve the station’s legacy while making the brand more reflective of place and of the station’s role as a community hub. The new name – Nest Radio – was chosen as a play on "North and West" and the idea of a nest as a centre of belonging and growth.
"Nest Radio is about exciting new beginnings, but it’s also about honouring the incredible connection we’ve built with our listeners over the years. By bringing the community into the studio to record our new station idents, we are making sure Nest Radio sounds exactly like the community it serves," said Matt Spain, station president and on-air presenter.
What stays the same
Organisers emphasise continuity. The station will continue to operate under the same licence and callsign (3NOW) it has used since 1993. Presenters and programme schedules will remain largely unchanged, ensuring long-term listeners experience minimal disruption to their regular shows and favourite hosts.
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Name | North West FM | Nest Radio |
| Frequency | 98.9 FM | 98.9 FM |
| Licence / Callsign | 3NOW (licence since 1993) | 3NOW (same licence) |
| Programming | Community-focused shows and presenters | Same presenters and diverse programmes |
Local participation at the heart of the change
The station will hand microphones to listeners during the launch, inviting community members to voice recorded station identifiers and jingles. This approach is intended to make the new audio identity authentically local and to deepen ties between volunteers, presenters and the neighbourhood the station serves.
Community radio depends heavily on volunteers and local participation. For many stations worldwide, keeping on-air talent drawn from the community helps sustain training pathways for aspiring broadcasters, fosters local debate and provides a low-cost platform for local arts and civic information. Hadfield’s move to involve listeners directly echoes those principles.
Practical information for attendees
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early if they want to take part in live recordings, as studio space and session time are likely to be limited. Those unable to attend can still find Nest Radio at 98.9 FM following the relaunch. The station has not announced any changes to broadcast hours or established programmes.
While the rebrand is primarily a local community affair, it offers a reminder of the steady role community radio plays in amplifying local voices and providing a training ground for presenters. The relaunch will be a chance for listeners to physically shape the station’s next chapter, recording a literal imprint of Hadfield on the air.
Further details about the launch event and any follow-up community engagement activities are expected to be published by the station ahead of 30 August.
