New book a ‘trip down memory lane’

The book, ’90 Years of Radio History in Deniliquin and Echuca’, will be launched at the Ace Radio studios in George St, Deniliquin on Saturday, December 7.

It contains a comprehensive history of early radio broadcasting in the region, all the way through to modern day radio stations and the various owners over the decades.

A ‘Personalities’ section in the book contains a long list of people who have worked in local radio, some of whom have made it onto the national stage.

And in ‘Memorabilia’ there is a plethora of historic documents, photographs and information pertaining to local radio broadcasting.

Ian Lea says the book is “designed to be a trip down memory lane for those who currently live or may have lived in 2QN’s broadcasting area and who have fond memories or even a connection with the announcers and other staff who worked at the station at some time over the past 90 plus years”.

His motivation to write the book started in November last year, when he became aware that radio in Australia was celebrating its 100th anniversary.

“I knew Deniliquin’s own radio station, 2QN, had been going for many years, but I wasn’t aware of exactly when it started. Having a keen interest in local history and using the library at the Deniliquin & District Historical Society as an office, it didn’t take long to bring up what information and photos the society had on file,” Ian said.

And it grew from there.

He was soon inundated with historic material, from the days when 2QN was broadcast from the front offices of the old Lyceum Theatre in Edwardes St (later Regent Theatre and now Baptist Church).

Before long Ian had more than 650 documents, newspaper articles and photos, which became the foundation for his book.

While Ian found writing the history was straight forward, getting information on announcers and other staff was a challenge, but that did not stop him getting a comprehensive list, generally with information on post-2QN life for most individuals.

One of the easiest tasks was deciding the front cover photo – it was Paul Dix in the studio, as this epitomises the history of radio in Deniliquin.

The launch of ’90 Years of Radio History in Deniliquin and Echuca’ will take place at 2pm on Saturday, December 7 at the Ace Radio studios, 368 George St, Deniliquin. Following the launch, afternoon tea will be provided and there will be an opportunity to walk through the radio complex.

Copies of the book will be available at the launch, and afterwards at various outlets including Ace Radio in Deniliquin or Echuca, the Deniliquin Newsagency, or from Ian Lea on 0418 468 857.