History of 5THEfm 107.7
The first public consultation to identify if there was a need for a community radio station was conducted on the 1st May 1986.
On June 16th 1986 a public meeting was held with 24 people present to form a steering committee.
First Committee
Chair: Ken Richardson
Secretary: Joanne Kegel
Members: Pauline Evans, Frank Cannin, Phil Richards, Annaliese Kohn
The Millicent Railway Station became “Home” following the granting of a lease from the then S.A. Railways. A constitution was written and approved.
$25, 000 was raised from cake stalls over 4 years for the purchase of equipment. This included a transmitter located on Mount Burr and antenna on the TV tower at about 75 metres height to ensure a strong transmission in the service area. A link transmitter located at the railway station sent the program to Mt Burr.
The first test transmission was conducted on the 1st May 1987.
Initial frequency was 106.9 MHz FM until the Broadcast Licence was granted in December 5th 1992. The allocated frequency was 107.7MHz.
Full broadcast began on July 1st 1993.
Official Opening of 5THEfm – 27th July 1993.
The transmitter was turned off in late 2022 due to loss of licence. With a new Board the station was re-instated in early 2023 as a streaming service while a temporary licence was being negotiated with the ACMA. On 6th July 2023 we received the temporary 12 month licence and returned to air on 107.7 MHz. An Open Day was held on 8th July to celebrate and recognise the great work that has been done by Board and volunteers to re-establish the station.
In June 2024 a five year licence was granted to 5THEFM in our legal name MILLCAR Inc (Millicent Community Access Radio Incorporated), ensuring our service to Millicent and surrounds for the long term.
