Gabriela Cabral, a passionate advocate for community and culture, volunteers her time at Kiama Community Radio (KCR). Gabi, as she is affectionately known, has been a stalwart presence at KCR since its inception. Together with the visionary founding trio – Karen Lang, Madeleine Scafe, and Graeme Gherashe. Gabi's unwavering commitment and aligned vision have transformed this radio station into a thriving community resource.

Gabi's commitment to the community and its cultural development is evident in her desire to celebrate the achievements of residents, many of whom are retirees with a treasure trove of experience spanning various industries. 

She firmly believes that KCR serves as a platform for individuals to express their passions and missions. Moreover, it offers an opportunity for radio enthusiasts to embark on their broadcasting journey through the courses run. These courses are a free offering to Sentral Youth and Kiama High School, as well as a series of courses at Kiama Community College at a nominal fee for participants.

In the 1980s, Gabi made her mark as a singer, musician, and actor before transitioning into arts management in the 1990s.She had a particular interest in community cultural development. Her professional journey has included working in arts management with prestigious theatre companies and arts organisations, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and UNESCO's International Theatre Institute. Gabi's introduction to broadcasting came through SBS radio, and she spent six years producing and hosting a captivating weekly world music program on Canberra's ArtSound FM.

"Radio is a unique medium," Gabi acknowledges, highlighting its distinctiveness compared to other forms of media. "It allows for a rich depth of expression."

Originally hailing from Uruguay in South America, Gabi's personal journey has added depth to her commitment to inclusivity. Having emigrated with her family in the mid-1970s to escape a military dictatorship, Gabi arrived in Sydney at the age of 11 with no knowledge of English. Her determination to learn the language in school has translated into a heartfelt desire to make KCR more inclusive, especially for those in the local community for whom English is not their primary language. The aim is to foster an environment where everyone feels entirely at ease and gains confidence within the community.

Notably, KCR relies on sponsors, including the Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama Golf Club, and the Kiama Business Chamber, whose offices graciously house the studio. It's worth mentioning that KCR doesn't receive public funding through grants. Gabi emphasises that KCR extends a warm invitation to community organisations to either host their own shows or take guest spots on existing programs to promote their work.

In terms of accessibility, Gabi envisions KCR having its dedicated office space in the future. Currently, they can't accommodate walk-ins, relying instead on their presence at the Farmers Market for community engagement. Additionally, KCR can be reached via Facebook or their website, but they aspire to be more accessible to all.

Gabi sums up KCR's essence aptly: "Think of KCR as an online radio station giving the local community a voice. We are dedicated to promoting local businesses, local artists and community organisations. Support us by downloading the KCR app and listening to the programs. You will be surprised by the amount of local information and the great music." Those interested in supporting the radio station can explore sponsorship opportunities by contacting KCR through their website: kcr.org.au.