An insight into 32 years of service to community radio was a recent highlight at the Inner Wheel Club of Bairnsdale meeting as member Louise Anketell gave an enlightening talk on her years presenting the Sunday morning program, Gospel Train, from the REG-FM Studio in Lakes Entrance.
Involvement came about as a result of her interest through a world-wide association of some five million women.
The theme was taking a little “time out” and titled Come Journey With Me.
The local radio station was the vision of local Lakes Entrance doctor Patrick Kinsella and one other.
They needed broadcasting equipment and transmission from Mt Taylor on 101.5 or 90.7 Lakes area.
They also needed microphones and headphones.
In 1989 they became amalgamated with REG-FM
In 1990 Louise was asked to assist the Catholic Women’s Association with some special sponsorship so became a disc jockey.
In 1992 they received radio accreditation.
They were at the time operating from the janitor’s room at Lakes Entrance Community Health Centre, their broadcasting having originated there.
Music was presented by a tape and you had to find the correct section of the tape to select the song before you could play it.
“I had to become an ‘unqualified journalist’ as you interviewed people in the community. You would take a tape recorder with you as there where were no mobile phones in those early days,” Louise said.
In 1992 the Catholic Women’s Group was awarded Best Community Group.
In 1993 the Lakes Entrance Studio moved to The RSL at “Glenara” and the program became Gospel Train. Many people would ring in as lots listened to the program which touched the hearts of many.
Louise undertook this program for 32 years and as time went on equipment was greatly upgraded. There were many adjustments as equipment became more technically complicated. There was a need to monitor all equipment closely. CD’s were selected and used.
Frequency was a problem and these difficulties had to be addressed.
REG-FM then decided to radio box and all presenters had to travel into Bairnsdale.
Today the equipment is much more advanced and the station professional bringing a variety of programs to the local community 24 hours a day.
Early days included a membership and relied heavily on donations.
Today membership and sponsorship have extended which is certainly pleasing to assist in maintaining this popular local radio station with most programs presented by volunteers.
After 32 years Louise presented her final program for the Catholic Women’s Association which featured Gospel Train and retired on March 24, 2025.
Inner Wheel Members congratulated Louise on a wonderful achievement as a volunteer who had enjoyed bringing this program to so many people over such a long period of time, and no doubt during this period helped the lives of many through these uplifting programs.
