OUR local radio station, 2NVR Nambucca Valley Radio, will be celebrating 30 years of broadcasting on 5 June.

A community comes to life when they can listen to their fellow residents; whether they play classical, jazz, country, rock and old-time music, sport and interviews, or even radio plays.

Most of all community radio is a connection between the presenter and the greater community.

In 1984 a few local residents said ‘yes’ and exposed themselves to the rigorous procedure of obtaining a broadcasting licence and starting a radio station.

2NVR co-founder Rob Turnell said, “It all started with a few locals who believed it was paramount to grasp the opportunity to establish such an important social connection in our Valley.”

With vigour and determination, a public meeting was called in the Bowraville community hall.

The support was there and the hall was packed to the rafters.

An application was then made to the Australian Communication and Media Authority, formerly known as the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

This was a rigorous process culminating in a tribunal of legal essence.

With community support a temporary licence was granted by the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

A board of management was formed to establish premises, a studio, and prepare willing presenters who were aware of the legalities of broadcasting.

The next step was to test the broadcast.

With no transmission in Bowraville, the committee went up Yarrahapinni Mountain and camped for three days and nights to test.

“Being on the mountain at night was hair-raising, but we all had fun,” said Rob Turnell.

As a local community radio station, 2NVR performs an essential service for our rural area, connecting rural and remote areas with emergency services in times of bushfires and flooding events.

Today the radio station broadcasts from Tewinga with three studios, excellent facilities, a safe environment with training and support for its members while welcoming new people with interest.

2NVR’s Birthday Celebration will take place on 5 June at the Bowraville Theatre between 12pm – 5pm.

There will be live music all afternoon and an opportunity to catch up with the pioneers of the radio station.

Everyone is welcome.

Finger food will be provided by 2NVR and a coffee van will be available outside.

You are welcome to bring BYO drinks.

The celebrations will be broadcast live on 105.9fm and streamed via www.2nvr.org.au.

The Tewinga studios in Rodeo Drive will be open from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on the day for any visitors who want to check out the studios.

For more information contact Ceri Wrobel at ceri@2nvr.org.au.

 

By Karen GRIBBIN