Community radio celebrates 10th year

A community radio station which started in a room in Umina is celebrating its 10th year of operation.

Community Radio Station Five-O-Plus originated in a room in Umina, broadcasting on a temporary licence for a few hours a week.

"Manned by a bunch of keen volunteers, it was like a social club, but support from sponsors and people on the Peninsula was strong," said Radio Five-O-Plus publicity officer Ms Margot Cooper.

"As time went by, the group was able to invest in its own equipment," she said.

A broadcasting tower was set up on Mt Rumbalara and Radio Five-O-Plus moved into bigger premises in Mann St, Gosford.

Eventually time on air was increased, volunteer numbers grew to well over 100, membership grew and the station published its own newsletter for members.

The station now goes to air seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Last year it was granted a permanent broadcasting licence and has a listening audience of 26,000 according to Australian Broadcasting Authority figures.

Margot Cooper, October 10