Freocast community radio creates a ‘third place’

Broadcasting from a shipping container studio in South Fremantle in the city of Perth, Western Australia, independent not-for-profit community radio station Freocast shares music and storytelling by local voices.

A passion project for Fremantle architect and long-serving community radio broadcaster Nick Juniper, the online station is supported by volunteers and local partners to broadcast a range of community-based shows and DJ mixes, and hosts events onsite.

Juniper says the station creates a connective space: “Fremantle has a very strong, engaged and passionate community, and I created Freocast as a way of providing an opportunity for a wide variety of voices and opinions to have a chance to broadcast,” he told StreetChat.

“We also felt strongly about creating a physical space where the community could come together, connect, listen to music and enjoy community spirit.”

Juniper was inspired by ‘The Lot’ radio station in New York City, which also operates from a vacant lot within a modified shipping container. “Being a port city, I felt like this concept would work really well in Fremantle,” said Juniper.

To support the creation of a ‘third place’ for locals, Street Furniture Australia has donated a picnic setting for the forecourt parklet.

The Mall Setting with Mall Seat and Bench features anodised aluminium battens, which will stay cool in summer, with frames in Brilliant Yellow, Sensation Orange and Lobster Red to match the Freocast colours.

Juniper said, “The furniture donated from Street Furniture Australia has provided the finishing touch to the Freocast Parklet. We were able to use the custom coloured components to match the Freocast brand to create a friendly and comfortable place for people to sit and hang out.”

Listen to the Freocast livecast.

All photos from the Freocast Facebook Page.

Freocast concept.

Local volunteers and businesses helped to build the dream.

The station opened in June 2023 to great community support.

Street Furniture Australia donated a Mall Setting for the forecourt parklet.

Honi hosting the ‘Freo Spirit’ show in the studio.

Lindsay from Humdrum Community, which combats isolation and boredom for people who live with disability, recording a station ID.

Hosting community events, a ‘third place’ for locals to gather.