40 Years of Hope on Air
Rhema FM's Lasting Impact on Newcastle
For four decades, Rhema FM has done more than play music — it’s been a lifeline of faith and hope to thousands in the Hunter region and beyond. As it marks its 40th anniversary, the station is celebrating the people and stories that have shaped its journey.
A Journey of Faith and Resilience
From its humble beginnings in 1985—sparked by a newspaper ad and a vision brought back from Christchurch—Rhema FM has grown into one of the largest community broadcasters in the Hunter. After 31 temporary broadcasts and 14 years of perseverance, the station was finally granted its permanent licence in 1999.
Learn more about Rhema FM’s journey here.
Jon Marks, CEO of Rhema FM from 1992-2022
Image Source: Rhema FM Archive
A key figure in that journey was long-time CEO John Marks, who joined Rhema in 1992 and led the organisation for 30 years.
Under his leadership, the station moved from Denison Street to its Warabrook studios in 2019 and raised more than $7 million through its annual Rhemathon fundraising drives. In 2022, Marks retired, handing over the reins to current CEO Ben Kiujian.
Jon has led the way from humble beginnings to where we are now... his legacy is one of passion and persistence
Marks called his three-decade journey “amazing,” saying he would “do it all again in a heartbeat” (Newcastle Weekly, 2022).
Ben Kiujian, CEO of Rhema, on Rhema's legacy
Speaking Life into the Community
For Newcastle mother Wendy, Rhema FM is more than just background noise—it’s supported her family’s everyday life.
Rhema was an essential part of our everyday life... especially during hard times, having Christian content that's family-friendly has helped me and my daughter so much
Wendy’s experience echoes the responses of thousands across the Hunter who tune in for encouragement, uplifting music and programs. Listener stories flood the station regularly—testimonies of lives changed, faith rekindled, and families strengthened.
Rhema lives out its “speaking life” mission through its presence at local events such as the Newcastle Show and Lord Mayor's Breakfast, partnerships with local churches, and responsive engagement through calls and social media.
We're constantly hearing from people who say things like, 'I turned on the radio at just the right time... That's what keeps us going- the fact that God uses this station to speak directly to people who need it most
Recent posts on Rhema FM’s social media reflect this ongoing impact. One listener shared, “You (Rhema) have given me hope and life through some rather trying times”. Another said, “My life is all the richer in every way thanks to Rhema’s hopeful influence”. These comments are a testament to the station’s extensive reach.
Shayne Holstein, Operations Manager: Image taken by Audrey Waugh at Rhema FM studios
Shayne Holstein, Operations Manager: Image taken by Audrey Waugh at Rhema FM studios
Collaborations with the Community
Image Source: Taken by Audrey Waugh, Rhema FM Studios
Rhema FM collaborates with various local charities such as Survivors R Us (SRU), which supports individuals impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, and unemployment. During Rhema's Life Givers campaign in March, every listener who signed up as a regular donor ensured that an Essentials Pack was donated to SRU. This initiative not only highlights the stations’ role in providing spiritual support but also its tangible contributions to the communities’ wellbeing.
Impact of Christian Radio
According to “The Social Impact of Christian Radio in Australia” 2024 report, a significant proportion of those who listen to Christian radio (92%) strongly or somewhat agree that maintaining the presence of Christian radio is important for Australian society.
Many listeners (68%) contribute to their Christian radio station financially to ensure they stay on air, and because they believe in their message, leading to Rhema FM’s 2024 result of receiving $558,405 in their EOFY Appeal known as Rhemathon.
Behind-the-Scenes: Sustaining the Mission
Ben Kiujian, current CEO of Rhema FM, shares the station’s approach to fundraising:
We are mindful that no one likes to be asked for donations too often. We try to maintain restraint throughout the year, even when funds are tight, because we want our listeners to enjoy tuning in. Our goal is to build sustainably and not live hand-to-mouth, even in an ever-changing tech landscape.
Donations through the year give 80% of Rhema’s funding, with the rest coming from sponsorship. This annual fundraising drives its goal to ensure they stay on the air for the next 12 months.
A Legacy of Faith
Video taken by: Audrey Waugh
As Rhema FM celebrates 40 years of “speaking life” into the Hunter region, it continues to be a beacon of hope and faith for Newcastle. Rhemathon 2025’s theme “For the Good of Others, Our Families and Our Community”, highlights their mission of supporting their local listeners.
Written by: Audrey Waugh
