At noon on Monday, January 7, 2008, Phoenix FM first went to air.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A lot has changed in the 10 years since then, but the volunteer-run station remains on the airwaves, a fact current and former presenters and members of the wider community celebrated on Saturday.
Up to 200 people visited the radio station’s premises on the day, eating several kilograms of sausages that went on the barbecue and enjoying the performances of local artists Steppin’ Back, Floreena Forbes and Olive Bice.
Members and volunteers co-ordinator Noel Paech said among the station’s achievements were acquiring a full-time licence, finding a permanent home in Reservoir Road, and the responsibility of broadcasting the City of Greater Bendigo’s council meetings.
Mr Paech said the station was important as it offered an alternative to commercial radio and opened the door to presenters eager to present their own programs. This year, the station’s presenters range in age from 10 to their 80s, with programs from talk shows to classical music.