Emma Pritchard

On December 15, exactly 90 years after the first microphone was turned on and the announcers voice sounded across the Clarence Valley, the team at local radio station 2GF welcomed a large and exuberant crowd to their 90th birthday celebrations at the Crown Hotel Motel in Grafton.

The 63rd broadcasting station to go on air in the country, 2GF has established a devoted following throughout its long and proud history.

Since the 1930s, it has delivered the latest news and information including emergency updates following numerous wet weather events, the devastating Cowper bus crash, heart-wrenching bushfires, community interest stories, and public events.

And as he shared his memories and highlights of the local radio station through the years, 2GF General Manager Paul Covington said it was exciting to celebrate 90 years on the air.

“It’s always been about the community, that’s who we’re here for,” he said.

“Through the good times and the bad times, 2GF has been there.

“The radio station has been so wonderful to me, it’s a massive part of my life, and we’re all very excited to raise our glasses and celebrate 90 years.”

Former 2GF employee Jill Lipman, who worked at the local radio station from 1947 until 1957, said she was delighted to attend the 90th birthday celebrations last week.

Lovingly known as ‘Aunty Jill’, Mrs Lipman was 17 when she started working at 2GF.

Her roles included organising records for radio programs and hosting a weekly children’s session.

“It was a pleasure working at 2GF,” she said.

“The community is very lucky to have the radio station, and it’s very special to celebrate 90 years.”

While there have been many changes in the world of broadcasting since 1933, Mr Covington is adamant 2GF will continue to keep the Clarence Valley community connected for another 90 years, and beyond.

“Funnily enough, we’re using the 90th birthday celebrations as a learning point as we build towards our 100th birthday,” he revealed.

“Then we’ll have another 100 years to work towards our 200th birthday.

“That’s how much I believe in radio, and local radio stations like 2GF.”