Happy Birthday, Port Stephens FM

Port Stephens FM will celebrate 20 years of broadcasting.

A local, community radio station was the vision of local Bennie Lind and with the help of his friends and supporters and other members of the community, this dream became a reality.

From small beginnings delivering the local fishing and weather information from a caravan for a few short hours once a month to now broadcasting 24 hours per day, 7 days a week from state-of-the-art studios located in Salamander Bay.

Nowadays the station broadcasts from the Tomaree Community Centre at Salamander Bay, with volunteers keeping the community station broadcasting.

"Some 43 volunteers ensure this valuable asset continues to deliver national and local news, community information - both through our community bulletin board and interviews - plus a variety of music that addresses all age groups in our community," says President Bob McKay.

"This is a time to be proud of local achievement and of those people who have enabled Port Stephens FM 100.9 to serve the community."

Birthday celebrations started on April 1, with an on-air competition giving listeners the chance to win one of 26 double passes to join the station's management committee, selected presenters and members on a birthday luncheon cruise on April 28.

Celebrations will culminate with a special outdoor broadcast to be held on Saturday, April 20, in conjunction with the Nelson Bay Town Markets.

Further information is available from the Port Stephens FM website.