In 2016 we celebrated 30 years since the first test transmissions from a caravan at Pappinbarra, using solar energy. In 1992 2WAY FM became the 100th Community Radio Station in Australia to be granted a permanent licence.
After the early days of the caravan, 2WAY FM had studios in Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie and an old building in the grounds of Wauchope Hospital.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council allowed the station to lease what was the old croquet club on the corner of Bain and Cameron Streets in Wauchope. A lot of work was needed to turn the building into a radio station. The first transmissions from the new premises started in 2006.
We provide access to the community to promote its non profit events via our community announcements, we throw our support behind other community groups and their projects by giving them air time either via interviews, full programs or producing community service announcements played regularly on air.
By providing access to the local schools we inspire young people to further their skills in public speaking, English and general confidence building. We also provide access to other youth groups such as scouts and more.
If you have an idea for a program on the station that serves the community, please feel free to send us an email at programming@2wayfm.com.au
We have around 50 dedicated volunteers who operate on a roster. Usually, each volunteer presents at least 2 hours per week of on-air content. We are live on air every day from 6am until 10pm – including public holidays. Several members also take on extra roles. For example on the Management or Program Committees, recording/ production, advertising/ marketing, maintenance, fundraising, cleaning and so on.
We invite listeners for feedback via phone calls, email or through online surveys. We hold open days to invite the public to visit our studios and meet the presenters. We invite people to become presenters so they too can have their say and learn new skills. All presenters can select their own music so there is always a unique variety every day.
Our local news and sport segment is prepared 5 days per week and is played during the breakfast program every weekday. We broadcast information about local community groups and their meetings, provided every day free of charge. These include gardening groups, dance groups, choirs and musical groups, arts/ crafts, seniors outings, op shops, local markets and more.
We allow on-air time to interview people who can provide information and advice about issues concerning our listeners. We also offer information via our website and provide links for people are unsure where to find assistance.
Our focus is on providing a friendly, positive and reliable voice every day. We are always looking for ways to engage our local listeners, seeking feedback and then using that advice to try to better serve our community.