CDU student brings Italian culture to the airwaves with new Territory FM show

Charles Darwin University (CDU) student Fabiola Del Signore is sharing her love of Italian music and culture with the Top End, launching her first radio show on Territory FM this month. 

Airing at 7pm Sunday's, 'Buona Notte - the Italian Hour' features cultural insights, guest interviews, and updates on events in both Darwin and Italy, including international highlights like the Venice Film Festival. 

Miss Del Signore is currently studying a Master of Occupational Therapy (OT) and a Graduate Certificate of University Learning and Teaching at CDU and has been training with Territory FM Station Manager Matt Bern since earlier this year, after responding to a callout for new community radio volunteers.

“Growing up, I always loved listening to the radio - it made me happy. I never thought I’d be on the other side of the mic,” said Miss Del Signore. 

“When I heard there was a chance to be involved with a Community radio station like Territory FM, I embraced the idea. I wanted to honour the songs I grew up with and share those stories with the Darwin community.”

With a background in occupational therapy in Italy, she worked in the local disability sector in Alice Springs before deciding to return to university this year to attain her Australian-equivalent qualifications and register as an OT. 

Miss Del Signore said Territory FM has offered her a creative outlet outside her studies. 

“Territory FM has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. It’s a safe and accessible space for people from different cultures and languages to learn,” she said.

“There’s so much flexibility to volunteer around my studies, and it’s been a real confidence booster - being close to the music, sharing your voice, and presenting on-air is therapeutic in many ways.”

Miss Del Signore is one of more than 25 volunteers who currently contribute to programming at Territory FM, Darwin’s community radio station based at CDU’s Danala | Education and Community Precinct.

Mr Bern said her show brings fresh energy to the station.

“It’s always good when a CDU student volunteers with us, trains, and starts doing their own show,” he said. 

“We’re always keen to bring more people in - especially students who are interested in community engagement and broadcasting.”

Miss Del Signore said she hopes her journey inspires other students to get involved.

“If you have a passion for radio, broadcast journalism or just want to try something new - Territory FM is the perfect place to start. The training is free, the support is real, and you get to be part of something meaningful.”