Community radio pioneer dies

A leading figure in telecommunications on the Peninsula has died.

Mr Ian Hill, who died recently in Brisbane, was instrumental in organising the transmission towers at Bouddi and the start of the Community Radio Station Five-O-Plus.

Ian was the technical guru who got the station on air, fulfilling the dreams and wishes of a small group of enthusiasts who thought that the area deserved a radio station that catered to the needs of the elderly people of the Coast.

Early in his career, Ian was involved with what is now the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

Ian inspected and certified TV and radio stations before they were allowed to begin transmission.

Ian did many things at Five-O-Plus.

He edited and produced the quarterly magazine and was treasurer as well as broadcast technician.

Ian built equipment such as transmitters and studio control decks.

He was always available to help anyone with a problem concerning radio transmissions.

Because of failing health, Ian recently moved to Brisbane to be near his daughter.

Ian was cremated on the Central Coast with a service at Palmdale.

Letter, March 27