Radio Mansfield 99.7, located about 150km north-east of Melbourne, celebrated its 30th anniversary in October with a dinner, cake and additional honours to long standing volunteers.
In 1995 a temporary broadcast licence was given to create community radio station in Mansfield with the station commencing broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 99.7FM at the end of 1997, from the old station masters house near the railway station in Mansfield. In November 2005 the radio station moved to new studios which were unfortunately destroyed by fire in 2014. Two new studios in the Community Centre were provided by the local council with the station and the volunteers broadcasting from there since February 2015.
The station plays all manner of music, local schools and community groups regularly participate programs, there’s live football coverage at local matches and Radio Mansfield are also accredited emergency broadcasters.
In November 2018 a new repeater (broadcasting on 88.7FM) was installed at Archerton, with a second broadcasting on 90.1FM to improve the signal north and south. All transmitters and studios have generators.
At the 30th anniversary dinner a great many Certificates of Recognition were handed out, including one to Peter Weeks OAM, who is the President of UGFM Murrundindy, but has assisted Radio Mansfield for all of its 30 years with advice and support.
Presenter and technician Keith Rogers was awarded with a special plaque after his appointment to the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) 2025 Community Broadcasting Honour Roll which recognises individuals who have dedicated 20 or more years to a single community radio station.
The celebrations wrapped up with a delicious cake, created and donated by April Curry.
Main image: Keith Rogers with Radio Mansfield President Peter Brown – from Facebook.