Presenters, volunteers and stars past and present came together to celebrate 40 years of broadcasting by Sydney community radio station 2RRR 88.5FM at a gala evening on Saturday October 26.
The station began broadcasting from studios at the Meadowbank TAFE in 1984 with regular OB’s from a caravan. 2RRR, which stands for Ryde Regional Radio, is now a much valued part of the local community.
Dino Mancini, 2RRR Chairperson, opened the evening acknowledging all the people involved over the last four decades “with each a character and each with unique personalities.”
“Tonight, we celebrate them and show our strength moving into the next 40 years,” he added.
More than 100 people attended the Gala at the North Ryde RSL including founding Director and former Chairman Chris Schofield, rock historian and music legend Glenn A Baker (pictured below), CBAA CEO Jon Bisset (main picture with Station Manager Natalie de Silver), longest continuing broadcaster Margie Mason and also long-serving broadcaster DJ Earley Curley providing entertainment.
Station Manager and Program Director, Natalie de Silver conducted interviews uncovering stories from the beginnings of 2RRR to now.
2RRR welcomes people with an interest in all areas of radio and provide training and guidance.
Natalie said how proud the station is with its involvement with local youth, kids at risk, disabilities and rehabilitation and as a voice in the fight against domestic violence.
In a blast from the past moment, the dinner tables were scattered with copies of old program guides and station newsletters from a different time, when newsletters were printed and sent by mail to volunteers and subscribers. They provided plenty of conversation starters for attendees.