June 8th, 2023Silence on Nicole

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

ABC Statewide Drive broadcaster Nicole Chvastek remains missing from the airwaves after two months with no explanation from the national broadcaster.
The show was also replaced for some weeks by Melbourne Drive but has returned with former Country Hour host Warwick Long.
An ABC media spokesperson said the matter was now before the Fair Work Commission and he could not comment.
Ms Chvastek’s lawyer, Mark Comito of Stal Employment Lawyers, said the matter was adjourned for a further conference at the Fair Work Commission on June 15.
“Discussions are continuing about Nicole’s application seeking orders to stop bullying,” he said.
On April 13, the ABC media spokesperson told The Local that Statewide Drive had been temporarily replaced with Melbourne Drive “due to operational reasons outside our control” but the show and Ms Chvastek would return.
On May 4 the spokesperson said Ms Chvastek was on leave and would return when refurbishments at the ABC Ballarat office were finished.
Ms Chvastek, a Malmsbury resident who has presented Statewide Drive from ABC’s Ballarat studios since 2012, was unable to be contacted for comment.
On a petition at change.org one person wrote: “I miss hearing Nicole on my radio every afternoon. Nicole lives in regional Victoria and she knows the issues which are important to us. She is such a compassionate person who is able to discuss very emotional and emotive issues so respectfully and with a focused and balanced approach. I miss her sense of humour and banter with guests, people who call in and colleagues. Please bring her back.”