As we head towards the end of 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been a fun, faith-filled, and incredibly busy year for the Sonshine family.
From open days and outside broadcasts to appeals, giveaways, and community events across Perth, we’ve loved connecting with you and seeing firsthand the impact of hope-filled radio in action.
Here’s a month-by-month look at everything that made 2025 such a memorable year!
January: New (and not-so-new) Voices on Air
We kicked off the year by welcoming Doug as the new host of Table Talk, alongside the return of past Sonshine presenter Tim Long in the afternoon slot. Both have been wonderful additions to the team and quickly became familiar, much-loved voices on air.
We kicked off the year by welcoming Doug as the new host of Table Talk, alongside the return of past Sonshine presenter Tim Long in the afternoon slot. Both have been wonderful additions to the team and quickly became familiar, much-loved voices on air.
February: New Leadership Begins
In February, we welcomed Michael Pailthorpe as Sonshine’s new CEO, following Bevan Jones’ departure after 13 years of faithful leadership. Michael settled into the Sonshine family with ease, bringing fresh ideas, renewed vision, and a strong focus on team collaboration.
March: Changing Lives Through Watering Day
We partnered once again with Water For Africa for our fourth annual Watering Day. Thanks to your incredible generosity, 36,897 people in Tanzania now have access to safe drinking water for life — making it our most successful Watering Day ever.
April: Walking Through Easter Together
Throughout April, we partnered with Woodvale Baptist Church to present their annual Lent Devotional Calendar, helping our community reflect, prepare, and celebrate Easter together.
May: Heart for the Homeless
May saw the return of our seventh annual Heart for the Homeless appeal, and once again, you exceeded all expectations.
- 12,085 items donated
- 25 collection points across Perth
- Supporting St Bart’s, St Pat’s and Uniting WA
We also hosted outside broadcasts at St Bart’s in the city and Lakeside Recreation Centre, creating plenty of memorable moments.
In addition, our annual Mother’s Day giveaway allowed us to bless many mums thanks to the generosity of Flower Box Home Fragrances and Heavenly Scent Flowers Byford.
June: Record-Breaking June Appeal
Our annual June Appeal was nothing short of extraordinary. With your support, we reached our highest total ever – an incredible $890,860. We are continually humbled by your generosity and commitment to Sonshine’s mission.
July: Mission-Focused Momentum
In July, we welcomed Paul “Morro” Morrison back to Sonshine in the newly created role of Mission Director. Morro has played a key role in guiding our on-air team and sharpening our content to align with Sonshine’s mission:
“To engage the people of Western Australia with the positive message of hope in Jesus.”
August: Feeding Families and Celebrating Community
August was packed with highlights:
Our second annual Take Away Hunger Day, providing a month of nutritious meals for 6,532 children in Uganda
Family Partner Month, where 63 people joined as Family Partners
A fantastic Open Day, with hundreds from the community joining us for food, fun, and connection
We also welcomed Jas Chamberlain to the Sonshine team as our regular Saturday afternoon and fill-in presenter – a wonderful new voice on the airwaves.
September: Celebrations and Awards
September brought two special moments:
Our Father’s Day competition, blessing one lucky dad with a prize pack including a $500 ARB Rockingham voucher and $300 worth of Grand Central Coffee beans
A proud moment as Leah received the Emerging Talent Award at the Christian Media & Arts Australia Excellence in Media Awards
October: Out in the Community
October saw us out and about across Perth with multiple outside broadcasts, including:
- Every Daughter Matters Walk for Freedom at Mullaloo Beach
- Alkimos Free Family Fun Day with Courageous Church
- Providence Christian College Arts Festival, broadcasting live from the Drive show
We also saw Leah & Dan given a very big responsibility by listener Ben, who trusted them to name his very first ute! This became bigger than Ben imagined, with Image Signs jumping in to brand the ute up for him! It was a wild ride, and so much fun!
November: Radiothon 2025
Our Radiothon appeal returned in November, featuring visits from Perth personalities, politicians, and regular Sonshine guests.
We set our largest Radiothon target ever, and thanks to you, reached $436,348 – 87% of our target. Your support continues to make it possible for Sonshine to keep Creating Connection.
December: Giving Big at Christmas
December wrapped up the year with plenty of joy:
- Our annual Jingle Bell Jackpot, spreading Christmas cheer with festive prizes
- The first-ever Deal It Forward with Doug, which began with a simple pen and grew beyond all expectations – culminating in 20 incredible blessings, including a second-hand Mercedes-Benz car gifted just in time for Christmas
Thank You for Being Part of the Sonshine Story
Every moment of 2025 has been shaped by you – our listeners, supporters, Family Partners, and volunteers. Thank you for walking alongside us, believing in the mission, and helping share hope across Western Australia.
We can’t wait to see what 2026 holds.