Mario Sammut - OAM

Gippsland FM’s Mario Sammut was recently awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his constant and exemplary service to the Maltese community which includes his 26 years of voluntary service at community radio station Gippsland FM.

Mario emigrated to Australia in 1983 and became involved with Brisbane's ethnic broadcaster Radio 4EB soon after. After moving to Gippsland in 1985, Mario began his invlovement with Gippsland FM. In addition to his work as a presenter, Mario has also served as a board member for Gippsland FM.

In 1989, Mario started broadcasting an hour-long Maltese program on 3ZZZ, Melbourne's ethnic community broadcaster. This required Mario to travel the nearly 200 kilometres from Morwell to Melbourne to broadcast an hour long program, a tremendous commitment.

Mario has dedicated much of his time to volunteering over the last 30 years he has spent in Australia. Mario continues to remain active in the Gippsland community, hosting both the Maltese Radio program as well as the Wednesday breakfast shift.