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Three of Australia’s largest commercial radio groups — ARN, Nova Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo — are collaborating for the first time on a national campaign to support young people impacted by cancer.
From Oct. 1, a radio commercial featuring well-known presenters Hamish Blake (SCA), Michael “Wippa” Wipfli (Nova) and Woody Whitelaw (ARN) will air across all three networks throughout the month. Organizers say the campaign demonstrates the reach and influence of commercial radio in Australia, where the medium remains a trusted daily companion for millions of listeners.
Bandanna Day at 40
The initiative supports Canteen, an Australian charity founded in 1985 by young people living with cancer. Its annual fundraising event, Bandanna Day, takes place on Oct. 30 and has raised more than AU$35 million since its inception. The 2025 campaign coincides with Canteen’s 40th anniversary and aims to draw attention to a worrying rise in aggressive cancers among young Australians.
“This incredible show of unity from Australia’s biggest radio networks sets a new benchmark for an industry-wide collaboration,” said Siona Hardy, CEO of Canteen Australia. “Bandanna Day comes at a critical time. We are seeing more young Australians being diagnosed with more aggressive and progressed cancers. And we don’t know why. With 85% of our funding coming from the community, partnerships like this are vital.”
A defining moment for commercial radio
Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio, which represents the country’s commercial broadcasters, said the campaign highlights the sector’s collective strength. “This campaign represents a defining moment for commercial radio, as our members have united for an important cause. By turning up the volume on Canteen’s Bandanna Day, we’re rallying Australians to stand alongside young people facing cancer.”
Andrew Clift, managing partner at UM, the media agency behind the campaign, added, “We brought the networks together because we know the difference Canteen makes for young people impacted by cancer. It’s powerful to see what’s possible when we unite behind a cause that matters, and we’re proud to play our part in amplifying it.”
The three networks released audio promotional clips to celebrate the collaboration. You can hear ARN’s here, Nova Entertainment’s here and SCA’s here.
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