NARRABRI community radio station 2MaxFM 91.3 – the voice of the north-west – will mark off a milestone later this month when announcers bunker down for a 25-hour broadcasting marathon to celebrate 25 years on air.
Volunteer announcers, including Moree’s Frank Crump, who travels to Narrabri regularly to strap on the headphones and switch on the mic, will share the 25-hour broadcast on September 26-27.
The live birthday celebration and open-day will feature non-stop music, laughter, special guests, live performances, song requests and community shout-outs – a 25-hour radiothon dedicated to celebrating the power of local radio while rallying support from the community.
Fundraising is essential to keeping 2MaxFM 91.3 on the air, and will help cover costs like equipment upgrades, licensing, training and keeping the Barwan Street doors open to the community.
The station, managed and staffed by volunteers, went to air on September 3, 1993 from a studio on Barwan Street in Narrabri.
A mobile studio has since been added, enabling announcers to broadcast live anywhere across the north-west, and listeners can also tune in online through the 2MaxFM website.
Station manager, Lauren Grant, said the 25 hours for 25 years radiothon will be a celebration like no other, with prime advertising spots available for businesses and organisations aimed at supporting the free-to-air, community-led radio station.
“Our radiothon is in honour of our 25 years being live and local – 25 hours for 25 years,” Ms Grant said.
“The idea came about at a committee meeting and we’ve rolled from there.
“We are asking businesses to sponsor an hour during the radiothon, and they’ll get a whole hour dedicated to them.
“The open day will be our birthday party, to celebrate 25 years of broadcasting. We’ve invited all our past presenters, as well as volunteers and anyone who has had anything to do with 2MaxFM, from behind the mic to behind the scenes,” she said.
Fundraising to help keep the 2MaxFM “on-air” light flashing, will include raffles, with lots of prizes, lucky door prizes, and a 100-club.
“We are hoping to secure some live entertainment for the day, and will have a massive spread of goodies for morning tea, as well as some merchandise available to purchase,” Ms Grant said.
Listeners will be encouraged to call in during the radiothon and pledge donations, or just have a chat and recall fond memories of 2MaxFM.
“We are all about community, and for the community, so we want it to be a big celebration for everyone,” Ms Grant said.
“Our presenters and volunteers will go above and beyond to keep the airwaves buzzing, while listeners tune in, call in, and donate to help keep 2MaxFM strong.
“Every song, every story, and every voice on air during the radiothon is part of a bigger mission – to raise vital funds to keep your community radio station alive and thriving,” she said.
Businesses and organisations interested in supporting the 2MaxFM 25-hour broadcasting marathon can contact maxfm@2maxfm.com.au or go to the station’s website HERE to view sponsorship packages.
“By becoming a sponsor, businesses are not just supporting a radio station – they’re helping keep community radio alive and thriving, and ensuring there’s always a platform for local voices, local music and local stories,” Ms Grant said.
2MaxFM 25-hour radiothon
When: September 26-27
Where: Across the north-west airwaves as well as online
