Meet new Board member Michael Rabbitt

Fri, 27 November 2020

Following his election at the 2RPH AGM, we profile the newest Director, Michael Rabbitt.

[Image: Michael Rabbitt, 2RPH's newest Director]

Can you tell us a little about your history with 2RPH?
My involvement with 2RPH began with my invitation to join the Board. I have known of 2RPH for a long time and have always harboured an ambition to audition but the timing has never been right and as I now understand it, lack of lift access to the studios would have precluded it anyway.

Why did you decide to run for election to the Board?
I am already on the Board of two other not-for-profits in the physical disability sector. I am the chair of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and the Vice President of the Physical Disability Council of NSW. The current Chair Di Collins and I have a long association going back to our days at NRMA. 2RPH was looking to expand its Board and Di thought my board experience plus my experience as someone living with an acquired disability might bring a different perspective.

From my perspective I was excited about the opportunity to get involved with an organisation as successful as 2RPH. My experience is not in community radio but I think I can bring value to the governance of the organisation and with the personal benefit of learning a lot.

What do you enjoy about being part of 2RPH?
It is early days for me but I am excited by the opportunity to help an already successful organisation continue that success in an environment where technological and social change presents both opportunities and potential obstacles.

Are there any particular programs you try to tune into?
Again early days for me but I have tuned in to the morning shift and listened and enjoyed readings from the Sydney Morning Herald.

What’s something you do in your spare time?
I am a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service. I volunteer with the Communications Brigade of the Hornsby-Kuringai District and do my shifts at the Fire Control Centre at Cowan. As a Paraplegic it has been interesting watching this District progress from being very challenged by the concept of having a member with a mobility issue to a situation where it has become completely normal and where people with red and blue lights on their cars have finally come to understand that this did not entitle them to the disabled parking space!

We hope you'll join us in welcoming Michael to the 2RPH Board and community.