The Narrandera District Community Radio Spirit FM hosted a wonderful community celebration at the Narrandera Golf Club and Function Centre on Saturday March 11 to celebrate its 18th year of broadcasting in 2023.

This 18th birthday party saw community coming together to say thank you to so many people, past and present, that have contributed to making Narrandera’s unique little radio station the success that it is today.

Over 120 people enjoyed a very special night of music, great food, wonderful company and a bit of a trip down memory lane reflecting back over the years.

Spokesperson for Spirit FM, Sue Ruffles commented that the organisation of the party provided an opportunity to delve into some history of the station which has not previously been captured.

Sue said that it was the organisers’ hope that people left the party knowing a little more about Narrandera’s local radio station.

A further hope is that, when the station’s new website is up and running later in 2023, more of the stories will be available for people to read and add to.

“Since the party I have heard from people saying how interesting the radio’s story has been and that the recognition of so many past and current people in our community was so great to hear about too.”

Apparently, as the story goes, former Narrandera Shire President Jack Driscoll had an idea for a local radio station in 1985 that was the beginning of Narrandera’s District Community Radio as it is today.

A public meeting was held to gauge interest which then resulted in a first meeting with locals Neville Mitchell, Geoff Sullivan, Chrissy Gallagher, Barry Mayne, Pepe Meza, John Beattie and some others that the radio committee are still confirming.

The support of then Narrandera Shire Council Mayor John Beattie and Economic Development Manager Kevin Scully was invaluable as was the Council coming on board to guarantor the bank overdraft.

The first day of transmission was January 27 2005 with Jenny Clarke and other presenters being the first to be heard on Narrandera local radio.

For the first seven years the station applied annually for its temporary broadcasting licence with the Australian Communications Media Authority until John Primrose completed the first successful application for a five year permanent licence in 2010.

Volunteers in the early days would set up the required equipment for outdoor mobile broadcasts for community events on tables but things became a whole lot easier once the Spirit FM van became available.

The Bendigo Bank gave $10000 to the station to make this possible.

The once Narrandera Council community transport bus was given a new lease of life with a refit and exterior graphic design which was updated to a new station branding in recent years thanks to Narrandera Signs.

Another plan for Spirit FM was to provide a streaming service which has now been available for listeners since 2018.

Sue mentioned that people were very surprised to hear that Spirit FM was the first community radio to have a studio in another state.

Sue recalls the stories of when Pam Mayne presented her breakfast program from Adelaide for a week and Jock and Tim Wright did shows from Victoria.

A paper was prepared by the station’s volunteers of how this was all done and it was provided to Southern Community Radio.

Other community radio stations went on to benefit from the technical expertise of Narrandera’s locals.

“There have been so many people who have volunteered enormous hours to ensure Spirit FM 91.1 has endured the years and remained a constant community service for 18 years. It is always hard to name all who have been involved in case people are missed. However, we would love to hear from people who might be able to jog our memories of past volunteers so we can continue to build our list of those all deserving of recognition. Any stories about Spirit FM would also be very much appreciated.”

Sue went on to say that a highlight of the party’s formalities was the recognition and awards presentation of three new Life Memberships for outstanding service to Spirit FM.

Barbara Bryon, Noel Flanigan and John Primrose joined previously-awarded Life Members, Barry Mayne, Marj Anslow and Pam Mayne.

Narrandera District Community Radio Spirit FM 91.1 has been made possible by the community, for the community.

The organisers of the 18th Birthday Party would like to thank everyone who was able to come along to celebrate and to say thank you to each and every person who has been involved along the way.

“Of course, the station is always looking for more sponsors, members, volunteers and presenters and people are invited and encouraged to contact the station even if they are just a little bit interested to find out how they can become involved. It’s easy to get in touch by phone 0488591666 or email ncradio@bigpond.net.au or messenger and/or check out Spirit FM 91.1 on Facebook,” she said. 

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 30 March 2023.