From Little Things, Big Things Grow
First discussions and planning regarding a proposed Community Radio Station began in 1999. Initial planning, frequency allocation (96.5fm) and test transmission (from the Harvey Shire Depot) was under the direction of convenor David Marshall and Harvey Mainstreet coordinator Deb Booker.
A Foundation Committee was formed on 28th May 2003, David Marshall (Chairperson), Deb Booker, Joe Capogreco, Kathy O’Shaughnessy, Brian Halliday, Brian Taylor, Sue Marshall, Derek Jesson, Jenny Taylor and Nick Vitalone. Weekly planning meetings continued for nearly two years.
Grant funding from the Southwest Development Commission and community support raised enough funds to purchase initial equipment for a former Catholic Priest’s house and a community op-shop. Renovations began in August 2003 with the official opening on Saturday June 12th 2004 by Matthew Germs aged 5 (the youngest school aged person in Harvey) and Glad Mincham aged 104 (the oldest resident of Harvey). Glad Mincham was unwell on the day and was represented by her nephew Brian Mincham.
A competition was conducted to play the first official song “on air”. The winner was Otto Gerschow and the chosen song was Amazing Grace sung by Willie Nelson.
The Outside Broadcast van was officially opened by Bryan Doust and Matthew Germs at the HCR 96.5fm fifth year anniversary in 2009.
HCR 96.5fm is predominantly a volunteer station and is “on air’ 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We are a community radio station that is run by the community for the community according to community needs and wants.