NARRABRI Shire community radio station 2MaxFM held its annual general meeting last Monday, when life membership was awarded to local stalwart, David Rooney.
Mr Rooney’s introduction to volunteer broadcasting came about by accident – quite literally.
“I started community radio more than 25 years ago prior to my car accident in 1999. When rehabilitating, l was told music was the best remedy,” Mr Rooney said.
“l juggled the broadcasting with recovering and everyday living.”
Mr Rooney helped other car accident victims during his recovery journey.
“There was mainly a friend in Wee Waa. We cope with the struggle as we start the long process to healing and getting back to a normal, limited life, but we’re still alive and progressing,” he smiled.
Moree’s Frank Crump, a 2MaxFM volunteer announcer for the past 14 years and committee member, said Mr Rooney was a station stalwart.
“David has been announcing at the station from the very beginning and is still announcing,” Mr Crump said.
2Max FM community radio volunteer announcer David Rooney at his console this week (image supplied).
Community radio 2Max FM went to air in trial format in September, 1993 for one week.
The then-Australian Broadcasting Authority granted the station a full-time license in November, 2000, and volunteers have since been manning the microphone at 91.3 FM seven days a week.
The station, known widely as the Voice of the North-West, relies solely on sponsorship and membership fees to stay on air.
“We currently have 26 volunteer announcers who present a range of different genres,” Mr Crump said.
“Our listening area is spread very wide throughout the north-west and can also be enjoyed by streaming on many platforms.
“Volunteer announcers are all local from Narrabri, Moree Wee Waa,” he said.
At Monday’s AGM, Anthony Welchman was elected president with Jeff Cloake vice-president.
Sue Solomon was elected secretary with the treasurer’s role going to Marg Hallett.
The committee includes Max Pringle, Frank Crump, Rebecca Taylor, Chris Gleeson, Brenda Davis and Katie Polsini.
Station 2Max FM is always looking for new announcers, members and sponsors.
The station also has a mobile studio which allows outside broadcasting at different venues.
“We also broadcast through our website. The station has come a long way since its humble beginnings, thanks to the loyalty of staff and our many supporters,” Mr Crump said.
Interested volunteers can contact Lauren Grant on 6792 4884 or email [email protected].
More information is available at the station’s website: www.2maxfm.com.au
A great story. Thank you, Bill. Congratulations goes to David Rooney.