Andrew Gee (Calare, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mudgee's own radio station, 2MG, has just passed an outstanding milestone. It has now been broadcasting to its listeners in the central west of New South Wales for 80 years. The Mudgee Broadcasting Company Pty Ltd was founded by Harry and Eileen Milton, Ernest Hodges and George Thomson, with Harry running the station from day to day. 2MG first hit the air in July 1938. Back then, there was a focus on playing old 78 records and broadcasting live musical performances to local listeners. Now, of course, there's still great music and syndicated programming, and local voices such as Craig Bassett—'Basso', as we call him—and Chris Mills—or 'Millsy'—continue as local voices on air. Mal Rock runs the station and directs the programming, and he's ably backed by the team of Andrew Andrews, Dane Durie, Kate MacKay, Jenny Burrow and James Hughes.

Every day 2MG is on the air, keeping locals in the Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos, Rylstone and Hargraves areas entertained and abreast of the goings on in their local communities. Our regional and community radio stations are vitally important, even in the era of online media. In fact, they continue to be real-time hubs of local news and community information via their broadcasting and their own social media platforms.

Congratulations on your 80th birthday, 2MG! You've entertained us. You've informed us. You've been a wonderful supporter of our local country communities. And we're looking forward to many more years of great country broadcasting. Long may your terrific work continue.

See this speech in context