Members, volunteers, and sponsors of Clarence Valley community radio station Loving Life FM103.1 gathered for their 25th Anniversary Luncheon at the Blue Goose Hotel in Junction Hill on November 23.

The station began broadcasting at 6am on October 15 in 1999 in the front bedroom of founders Paul and Carol Ordish’s residence. 

The Ordish family made the trip to Grafton from their home in Brisbane to reminisce about how the station began and how far it has progressed throughout its 25-year history.

Guests also included Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Ray Smith, along with Councillors Cristie Yager, Peter Johnstone, and Allison Whaites.

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson was also in attendance and presented Station President Peter Johnston with a community recognition statement which was an extract from the NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard and Papers where Mr Williamson recently paid tribute to the milestone of community broadcasting in Australia which celebrated 50 years and Loving Life’s 25-year celebrations.

Station Manager and Breakfast Host Damien Fisher said the station has come a long way in 25 years and it has certainly had its bumpy ride along the way but said without the financial support of local businesses as sponsors of the radio station and the volunteers, the station wouldn’t be where it is today.

He said Loving Life FM 103.1 has just recently finished 25 live outside broadcasts in 25 days to celebrate its milestone, but they don’t stop with many more broadcasts coming up before Christmas and into the new year.

Mr Fisher said with the addition of a mobile outdoor broadcast caravan outside broadcasts have become a lot easier and encourages schools, sporting and community groups to reach out if they would like Loving Life FM 103.1 to broadcast from their next event.

Loving Life is heard on FM103.1 but also through www.lovinglife.fm and you can also download the community radio plus app to your device and take loving life on the road with you, anywhere, anytime.