Little did Neil Rogers know when he stepped into PBS community radio in 1982 that he would be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) nearly 40 years later for his services to community radio.
Since moving from PBS to 3RRR community radio, Neil has presented a weekly Australian Music program for the past 34 years - since 1987.
"The award means a great deal to me on a personal level," said Neil. "I'm really pleased and somewhat shocked by it all.
"It also shines a light on the station and everything that Triple R represents and stands for, as well as the band and musicians that are featured on the program."
Neil is a Box Hill resident and has worked at Whitehorse City Council for 21 years.
"At Whitehorse City Council, I work as a Team Leader (Community Programs) in the Health and Family Services department," said Neil. "Our team delivers a range of programs, activities and resources that support parents, children, and families."
Whitehorse Mayor, Councillor Andrew Munroe said "I would like to congratulate Neil Rogers on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia at the 2021 Australia Day Honours Awards for his service to Community Radio as a presenter at 3RRR, Volunteer for the Australian Music Airplay Project and Chairperson for NetGain. What an outstanding achievement!"
Background on Neil Rogers
Neil first went to air in January 1983 and presented his Australian Music program on a monthly basis until switching over to 3RRR-FM in August 1987. Neil has presented his weekly program on a Thursday night ever since.
Neil enjoys and loves what community radio represents, and the fact that it supports under represented bands and artists. Neil has had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people including announcers, station staff, station volunteers, musicians, station sponsors and listeners.
Background on 3RRR
Since its inception as an educational broadcaster in 1976, Triple R has become Australia's most influential community radio station with over 16,000 subscribers and almost 800,000 monthly listeners. The Triple R programming grid houses over 60 diverse programs. Music shows cover every genre imaginable from pop to punk rock, from R&B and electro to jazz, hip hop, country and metal. Specialist talks programs delve into topics as varied as the environment, human rights, politics, medical issues, gardening, cultural ventures and local interests.
With the exception of 'Breakfasters' all of Triple R's programs are presented by volunteers. Broadcasters are drawn to the station because of its unique, independent ethos and its commitment to quality public radio. All Triple R's broadcasters have a passion for what they present and are genuine music fanatics or devoted experts in their fields.
The voices heard on Triple R are as varied as its listeners. And, it's many of these listeners who keep the station on-air year in, year out. Triple R is a fully independent non-profit community radio station which relies on sponsorship and listener subscriptions to keep running - listener funded radio. We're not beholden to shareholders or advertisers; we're here to serve our community of listeners and offer them a genuine, intelligent and considered alternative.
