Power FM’s Brooke Sheehan: “I’m excited for the future of radio”

“I’ve lived a life full of adventure. Always creating something from nothing.”

Brooke Sheehan – Workday Announcer at Ballarat’s Power FM – has packed a lot into her radio journey.

Victoria’s Central Highlands region is a far cry from the sunny northern tropics of Darwin, where she grew up.

Brooke tells Radio Today “You could say I lived a very naïve, simple life in Darwin. I was craving more for myself. I just didn’t know exactly what.”

What she did know was that she would need to leave her hometown in order to find it.

Brooke was a 15 year old high school student when she landed a week’s work experience at her local station, Hot100.

There, she became a regular on the Top 30 Countdown with Greg ‘Crusty’ Dean.

“He basically taught me radio 101. It was the first time I’d felt super passionate about something in my life and I was intrigued at the power of live radio broadcasting.”

Before long, Brooke was appearing on stage with Crusty, co-hosting events all over Darwin.

Brooke says growing up in the Territory is not for the faint hearted.

“It’s a rough place and doesn’t offer much in the way of opportunities. I packed up and left Darwin with $50 in my back pocket (wasn’t ideal) and jumped on a one-way flight to Sydney with stars in my eyes. I was nineteen and I haven’t looked back.”

Brooke branched into TV and film.

Having studied acting, she was cast in hit TV shows Packed To The Rafters and A Place To Call Home, and co-hosted Channel Nine’s Ralph TV alongside Craig ‘Lowie’ Low.

Years later, studying at AFTRS would give Brooke the skills and confidence she needed to forge a successful radio career. It also gave her a fresh perspective:

“AFTRS taught me that results happen if you are prepared to put the effort in.”

Brooke specifically went to AFTRS to learn how to use industry standard programs and operate a panel.

“It was a great way to get in front of industry people and they have an outstanding track record.”

“Unfortunately, COVID happened, and we were thrust into studying online. Not ideal for a girl that could barely operate a computer.”

“Thankfully, AFTRS has the most incredible resources and with its support and guidance, our class was broadcasting nationally from our bedrooms, living rooms and kitchen benches. There’s nothing we can’t do!”

Upon graduation, Brooke won an SCA internship award in radio broadcasting whilst working on Townsville’s Triple M as panel operator and shadow producer for the Hit Queensland Breakfast show, Cliffo & Gabi.

2018 stands out as a particularly challenging year, one which saw Brooke return to Darwin in heartbreaking circumstances.

“I moved back home to care for my terminally ill mother who sadly passed away early this year.”

“My partner was diagnosed with a terrible mental health condition the same year and it felt like my world had hit rock bottom.”

“Feeling sorry for myself, I walked into my local radio station – Darwin’s Hot100 – and asked for a job.”

“When the former PD Dave Daly asked if I’d ever operated a panel I replied, YES! Meaning NO.”

By the end of that meeting, Brooke had still somehow managed to land her very own weekend music shift, called Saturdays With Brooke.

She was also appointed as the full-time cross announcer on the street team.

Brooke says working at Power FM has been a dream come true.

“I’m blessed to be surrounded by some of the industry’s most talented radio greats – Dave Dalkin, Paul Taylor and radio veterans Frank Clark and Bernie Brittain, to name a few. I’m learning and growing every day.”

“Coming to work doesn’t feel like ‘work’ for me, this is my passion.”

Brooke says the thing she loves most about radio is that no two days are ever the same.

“The power of radio broadcasting keeps communities connected and I admire this truly powerful communication tool.”

“To be able to make someone’s day feel brighter when they may be doing it tough or watching an entire community band together to help those less fortunate is priceless.”

“I get to wake up and get paid for something I’m totally passionate about, that gives me a sense of self and a purpose in a creative environment.”

“I’m very excited for the future of radio.”

For others considering a radio career, Brooke has some sage advice:

“Don’t sit around waiting for the phone to ring. Work harder than anyone in the room. And NEVER let someone tell you you’re not good enough.”