Image Upload


File size must be less than 2Mb

You must have online publishing permission or full ownership of this image

File types (jpg, png, gif)






  • Hero image
    TEAM EFFORT: ACE Radio Horsham team members, from left, Kelly Laird, Brendan O’Loughlin, Danica Turvey, Paul Carracher, Lee Meadows, Kayla Wilson, Adam Roche and Kaycee Bould are among those recognised throughout the year for their outstanding performance.

A year of significance at ACE network

The ACE Radio Network is reflecting on a year of significance for its readers, listeners and staff across the Wimmera, Mallee, Grampians and Western District. 

The publisher of The Weekly Advertiser and broadcaster of MIXX FM and 3WM has given away cars, holidays and adventures – all while educating, entertaining and informing its readers and listeners. 

The Weekly Advertiser distributes to more than 20,000 homes and businesses every week across the region. 

A ‘state of play’ survey of radio listener habits in the Wimmera, released in May, highlighted an increased stability of the region’s longstanding broadcasters. The report emphasised the popularity of 3WM and MIXX FM within the community, which have a combined reach of more than 64 percent of the Wimmera population. 



Article continues below


96.1 3WM FM Ararat launched in August, bringing regular 3WM programming to a new frequency for listeners in Ararat and surrounding districts. The launch featured a weekend-long celebration including a special live broadcast of the Coodabeen Champions from Ararat RSL. 

‘We Love’ promotions across print and radio celebrated the offerings of the region’s towns and businesses and were among the most successful to date. 

On a national level, Adam Roche, with 3WM’s Adam in the Afternoons, was crowned best talk presenter; MIXX FM’s Kayla Wilson was best newcomer on-air; and Sophie Jackson, for 3WM, won best achievement in production at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards, ACRAs, in Sydney in October. 

The trio were among nine award winners and 31 nominations from the ACE Radio Network – including seven nominations for the Horsham-based team. 

Meanwhile, four staff members at The Weekly Advertiser received statewide industry recognition at a Victorian Country Press Association awards night in November.  

Photographer Paul Carracher won best sports photo in a 6000-plus circulation section with ‘Gotcha!’– a perfectly timed cricket action shot; while journalist Sarah Matthews won best news story in a 6000-plus circulation section with ‘I love him – Transplant hope for Bodhi’s family’.

Advertising account manager Lee Meadows and graphic designer Kelly Laird won best print advertisement in a 6000-plus circulation section. 

General manager Brendan O’Loughlin paid tribute to the team’s outstanding performances – which also included creative-announcer Kayla Wilson and advertising account manager Danica Turvey among the 30 winners in a Radio Today-run 30 under 30 Awards, announced this week. 

“While we acknowledge the fantastic efforts of individuals receiving some very high-end awards, the reality is the team, in its entirety, has excelled throughout the entire year,” he said. The Weekly Advertiser editorial director Jessica Grimble said the team recognised and honoured the responsibility of local storytelling. 

“People continue to read their local news in print every Wednesday, and the radio survey results prove that more people are listening to the radio. Local media is as important as it’s ever been,” she said. 

ACE Radio Horsham content director Adam Roche said the new year would signal new offerings on radio. 

The changes, effective from January 16 on MIXX FM, include the Carrie and Tommy show from 3pm; Hughesy, Ed and Erin from 5pm; and Hot Nights with Abbie Chatfield from 7pm, on weekdays. 

“We’re saying goodbye to some programs on MIXX FM and welcoming a whole new afternoon, drive and evening line-up,” he said. 

Roche said his team was paying tribute to the community’s support via videos on the MIXX FM and 3WM Facebook pages. 

The entire December 21, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire December 21, 2022 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!