ABC Adelaide’s Local Radio evenings presenter Peter Goers has been awarded an OAM in the 2013 Australia Day Honours list and ABC Cricket caller Jim Maxwell becomes a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Jim Maxwell
Jim Maxwell was inspired to join the ABC’s Sport Department after hearing Alan McGilvray’s call of the 1964 cricket test from England. In a profile a few years ago, radioinfo reported that, after leaving school he tried three times to get an ABC cadetship before he was finally successful in 1973.
Cricket on the radio is better than on tv for several reasons according to Maxwell: “It takes listeners where pictures can’t take them, they can use their imaginations to see the play wherever they are and whatever they’re doing. The word is more powerful than the image in this sort of game.”
Maxwell’s citation recognises his “significant service to sport, particularly cricket, as a commentator, and to the community.”
Peter Goers
Peter Goers’ Order of Australia Medal is for for service to the community as a radio broadcaster.
His career in the entertainment industry has spanned more than 35 years and includes theatre, television, press and radio. With only a few regular guest spots and fill-in shifts under his belt, he joined 891 ABC Adelaide as the presenter of the Evenings program in 2004 and at the time said it would be his most difficult role yet – being himself.
Ten years on and Goers’ unique “audio vaudeville” has become an integral part of the 891 family, attracting a strong audience following across the whole of South Australia.
ABC Local Content Manager in South Australia Graeme Bennett has paid tribute to Goers’ award: “Peter’s contribution to ABC Local Radio has been immense, but his contribution to our community has been greater still. Since he joined 891 ABC Adelaide in 2004, he has shown his true colours: compassion, humour and a love of his home state and every person in it. We’re absolutely thrilled at this humbling honour, and privileged to work with a great South Australian. Onya Goersy.”
Goers, who describes himself as a ‘reformed social irritant’ has given his own time to an impressive list of local boards, charities and community organisations that have benefited from his generosity.
On 891 ABC Adelaide’s Mornings program with Ian Henschke on Monday the tables will be turned and Goers will be interviewed about his own life and career, instead of interviewing others.
His career has spanned over 35 years in the entertainment industry across a range of different mediums and formats including television, print, radio and theatre, and he is frequently engaged as a guest speaker. In 1983, Goers started reviewing films for ABC Radio’s Carole Whitelock on 5AN (now ABC891). He also spent ten years at the Austereo Radio Network as a reviewer. His theatre career in Adelaide includes work as an actor, director, designer and playwright for most Adelaide theatre companies.
Goers is heard 7 – 10pm weeknights on 891 ABC Adelaide and regional stations.