Yarra Valley FM 99.1 something for everyone Listen to us now on web radio

People

Everyone at Yarra Valley FM 99.1 is a volunteer who is dedicated to serving the community, and not just presenting a weekly music program. We come from all walks of life - young and old, brave and shy, full-time employed and retired - and the variety of our weekly music program reflects this diversity of interests and tastes.

All of our presenters, technical support people and administrators contribute to the community in all facets of Yarra Valley FM 99.1 by assisting, for example, with fund-raising events, staffing our outdoor broadcasts and attending community events to give Yarra Valley FM 99.1 a presence.

It's great fun being involved with community radio. It's not only a wonderful experience, but also a tremendous service to the community.

Get To Know Yarra Valley FM 99.1

The best way to get to know our presenters is to listen to their programs. However, not everyone involved in Yarra Valley FM is currently on-air. So, many of our dedicated team would like to introduce themselves and share a little about who they are in a short profile. Click the links, and enjoy!

	Geoff Adams	Geoff was introduced to radio when a friend Colin Lawrence invited him as a guest on his show in 2001 - the rest is history. Geoff is interested in discoveries in cosmology, electronics, hi-fi, collecting records and restoring valve radios. Geoff works as a surface-mount technician in electronics assembly.
	Khushi Anand	Hmm, life in the Yarra Valley is great. I love music - performing, dancing to, listening to - and have returned to radio presenting (I used to work at 4ZZZ in Brisbane, 1984) after life as a film animator, many years working in the area of women's health and well-being, home-educating my son and running a vineyard. My other interests include being immersed in nature, horse-riding, rollerblading, movies and books. I enjoy supporting local music especially and would love to receive demos from performers out there who are wanting radio play.
	Jock Blair	Started listening to community radio in the 70s to avoid the commercials! Picked up a passion for blues music listening to a local station in Bega NSW, and later became a blues music presenter and station co-ordinator. Jock claims to be no expert, but joined YVFM in 2001 when he moved to the Yarra Valley to keep blues music alive and well on community radio.
	Rod Bradey	Rod started at YVFM in the Winter quarter 2005, after watching his mate Graeme Godkin enjoy his time on air. He is dead keen on country music and could think of nothing better than visiting Austin, Texas to immerse himself in the music at Billy-Bobs for two weeks. Married with five kids, he is now a very happy “empty-nester”, and loves to indulge in a game of golf or racquetball from time to time.
	Neil Bull	Neil lives locally and has a passion for radio and likes most kinds of music. An ex bass player he hopes he wasn’t responsible for inventing grunge. Neil was a roadie for Lobby Lloyd and now enjoys producing music videos. Neil has worked and travelled many parts of the globe and loves the Yarra Valley. He emphasises the fact that you're only here for a short time and to release the zany person trapped inside and enjoy your life.
	Simone	Simone began at the station in February 2010. Music is her passion and she is interested in all genres. She can’t choose just one as her favourite! Over the years she has been fortunate enough to meet many of her music idols and enjoyed heaps of concerts along the way (first one at age seven!) A music trivia buff, Simone loves to regale you with her knowledge & learn new facts too. She loves to perform whether it be singing or dancing. Aside from music, Simone enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her horse & her family.
	Annabelle Cannon	When Annabelle first appeared on YVFM, she was a part of our popular 'School's In" program. Now she has her own show! She loves music and "barbeque shapes". Annabelle is in high school, but wants to become a journalist, so really has to ace her English exams. She loves to talk, and would write more here, but she's run out of time....
	Greg Carrick	Greg still thinks he's a teenager, despite the lack of hair, and loves things that spark up energy and excitement. He has worked with young people in many roles over the years, and loves the way you can develop and grow no matter how old you are. His passions include visual arts and photography, armchair car racing, and potato chips. Describing himself as a post-modern hippy, he likes to combine the sixties protest ethos with today's freedom of expression. Favourite quote: "God is an artist, you are a work of art".
	Ray Chapman	Ray emerged as Drummer (complete with Drum Kit. A student of Ron Lanchbury (Edmundo Ross Latin American Big Band & Sidney Lipton Drummer). Into the Glitterati World of London. The Kensington Palace Hotel Grill. With Issy Gieger Swing Quartet, plus a swing Trio around London Suburbs & Melbourne. A Real Job evolved as an Advertising Artist/Illustrator, leading Ray into the Glamorous Advertising world of make believe....(& long lunches) Regular visits to SOHO, Food/Music, Ken Colyer & Ronnie Scotts Clubs. Meeting/mixing with Jazz Greats, Diz Dizley, George Melly. Louise Armstrong, Barrett Deems at Earls Court. National Service: Painted Real Large Civillian Landscape Murals for Real Soldiers. Met Princess Margaret in Aldershot Hospital, in his best pressed Khaki Dressing Gown. A 'STINT' on LONDON BBC's Radio 5 Live Program. Ray has been involved with 'RAYdio' for 20 years, presenting/Co-Hosting/&Guest Spots. Meeting Barry Humphries, Interviewed Pam Ayres, Likes Satire, As happened at 3 Tripple Zed Melb. "Haven't Showered for Weeks but we sure can Whinge".  The Evergreen Ken Lyons Prog. "Choice of the Valley" (Writing Poetry & Skits) Has Illustrated and Written his own Poetry Book "Cheers Mate I'll Give It a Go". Appears when not presenting his own RAYdio prog. "I FEEL BETTER AFTER THAT"  on Yarra Valley FM 99.1. As a panellist/Poet on another Melbourne Radio Station.
	Alan Collier	Alan started with YVFM in mid 2008. He has always had a passion for radio. Two of his children gave him an announcer’s course for Christmas and the rest, as they say, is history. Alan’s hobbies include Set Building for the 1812 Theatre in Ferntree Gully, miniature live steam trains and Community work. He also collects old telephones and has recently started taking part in Fun Runs up to about 7kms , which he completes in about 45-50 mins depending on the terrain. Alan is married and has 4 adult children, and has just completed his 2nd term as the President of his Rotary Club.
	Mark Collard	On air during 2002-06, lists watching movies, candlelight dinners and romantic walks along the beach as his favourite pastimes. Has been hit by lightning twice, camped on the lawns of Parliament House Canberra for 3 nights and can't back up a towed-trailer to save his life! Loves to have fun, laugh and listen to great upbeat music. Passionate about his acting and voice work, Mark's purpose in life is to inspire and empower others. Check his website for more details www.markcollard.com Mark was webmaster of this site for many years, till pressure of work forced him to retire.  Much of the text on this website was written by Mark. We put on record here our thanks for his dedicated work, and the excellent legacy he has left us.
	Sue Cornelius	Sue started at YVFM 3 years ago after watching her husband Dennis spend so much time at the station. A self-confessed “baby-boomer”, Sue has a passion for painting, having exhibited once at the Lilydale Show and won 1st prize as a Novice. Early in 2005, Sue broke her first bone (ankle) at the same time as spraining her other ankle! She believes there’s more to life than meets the eye, suggesting that there is a higher power in our lives.
	Sue Cornish	Sue started as YVFM’s local news reader in December 2007. Sue’s passion is horses. Her home is geared up to support her horse habit - 2 horses sharing 18 acres of horse paddocks (so they don’t get hungry), a full size dressage arena, cars banned from the garage so there’s room to store the horse feed, and a bed-head covered in riding competition ribbons. Sue also occasionally appears as “Monika”, Yarra Valley FM’s fashion editor. The photo to the left is Monika in the liposuction tent at the Melbourne Cup. To listen to Monika go to http://radio.bigblog.com.au
	Mim Elsworth	Merylin, affectionately known as "Mim," started out as a radio presenter on YVFM in 2006. Mim soon took on the job of Schools-In  co-ordinator. Mother of two daughters and a dear little grad-daughter Azy, Mim loves dancing, playing piano and guitar, and recently took up flying lessons. Her programs are 'Lovin You' and 'Eventide.'
	Graeme Godkin	Graeme's first taste of community radio was with Edge FM in Bega, NSW. He joined YVFM in 2001, and just loves his country drive-time music program. He wishes he had a 36 hour day so that he can do all the things he loves, such as fishing, driving, boating, caravanning, camping, prospecting, writing songs, reading, playing guitar and two-stepping to country music. He's now ready to put his feet up in retirement, with the love of his life, his wife Glenys.
	Mel Gowing	As an active member of his community, Mel hit the airwaves for the first time in 2000. The love of his life is Jesus Christ and his childhood sweetheart, Valerie, whom he married a couple of years ago, and their family. He loves flying small planes, recently flying over the Yarra Valley in a 1957 Piper. He’s interested in old mines, all styles of music, loves cooking good food and wines, and will always greet you with a wide smile.
	Jacey Hall	Jacey was the inaugural Chairperson for YVFM (then VYV) in the early 1990's. Her programs over the years have included The Shire Show, A Dating Program, School Programs, Health Shows and Listen to Older Voices. YVFM is a sincere interest for Jacey, but her love for her family and friends radiates warmth and happiness. Her husband Giovanni highlights her life; laughter and love completes a marvellous lifestyle - she considers herself very lucky!
	Billy Heppell	Billy started at YVFM in 1992, and has loved presenting the weekly Friday night sports program. He has been a trainer of athletics for 10 years before he moved up to the farm. He supports the "Kangas" and the Gembrook footy clubs. Simply put, he loves all sport!
	Robert Jordan	Robert started with YVFM in 2007 and has loved every minute of it. A self-confessed walking music encyclopedia (a junior Glenn A Baker!), Robert once worked as a "roadie" for a blues band, and now this genre makes up a large part of his HUGE music collection (think - thousands of albums). He's travelled the world, and especially loved Europe and Disneyland. Next to his passion for music is his passion for the Collingwood football club - but we don't hold that against him.
	Barry Kotze	Barry has had a long career in community radio starting back in the early 80's with 3CR preparing and reading local news for a few years. He was also one of a team of comedy enthusiasts who tried to get "Laugh Radio" a permanent broadcasting FM license in Melbourne. He loves the comedy of Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart, Abbott & Costello right up to new wave comedians such as Steven Wright, Jerry Seinfeld  and Ellen De Generes.  Barry  also loves his music, especially Top 40 from the 50's right through to today. Away from the microphone he has an interest in community TV (C31), motor racing, AFL football and cricket.
	Mark Lane	Mark is very passionate about his music. Indeed, he prefers to use this space to highlight the music and the incredibly gifted and talented artists who bring us such joy, rather than himself! Mark has been lucky enough to interview Joe Walsh (Eagles), Nigel Olsson (Elton John band), Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), Mike Rudd (Spectrum), Phil Manning (Chain), Andrew Gold (Linda Ronstadt) and legendary radio rock journalist Billy Pinnel. The "Wow 'n Flutter Show" - his hobby, his passion - that's Mark!
	Elaine McCarthy	Elaine admits she is blessed with a wonderful life. She started with YVFM in 2000 and has loved every minute of her music, interviews and community info sharing. Elaine credits her training & experience with Toast-masters as helping her speaking skills, as well as serving other areas of the community in which she is active. Elaine loves her family (5 children & 10 grand-children), arts & crafts and lately, watching her husband replace her with another "old girl" - a 1937 Oldsmobile car.
	Barry Murnane	Barry is one of the new kids on the block, starting in Winter 04. He enjoys playing golf and boasts a low 12 handicap - not good enough for professional, yet! Barry's goal is to sing and play guitar at the same time. He has a band called the 'Barry Murnane All Stars', and when its music is good enough to release, he will play it on YVFM. He loves playing music because it sounds good to him.
	David Oaten	Dave enjoys spending time with his kids, socialising with friends and chasing anything on rails! He collects history of radio 3KZ and other stations, as well as collecting music, esp rare vinyl records which he plays on his program regularly. Noted for playing the bagpipes on ABC's "Countdown" TV program for John Farnham's "You're the Voice".
	Cindy Parrett	Cindy started her breakfast show on YVFM in 2001. Beyond radio, she is a professional singer, a teacher and artist. By her own admission, Cindy talks very loud, laughs a lot and burns the candle at both ends. She loves to take long walks in the forest & beach, camping and anything to do with nature. She sometimes plays the characters of "Cindy Floura Mindy" (a wannabe fairy) on Sunday's Children's show.
	Graeme Peers	Graeme stands alongside Jacey Hall as one of the two remaining founding members of YVFM. Likes to dabble in a little train-spotting, having been into model trains since he was a little fellow. He tackles the task of YVFM's "outdoor broadcasts" with aplomb, and nominates the classic steam-train trip through the Blue Mountains as his lifetime ambition.
	Malcolm Potter	Mal has been presenting programs on community radio since 1988 when he joined Southern FM. He did a short stint with 3MDR in the early 90s. Now with YVFM, Mal has enjoyed early morning, drive-time and late evening programs over the years covering a wide variety of musical styles from hard rock to light pop.
	Mark and Glenda Riddell	Husband & wife team, Mark and Glenda, are best mates from way back (as the picture shows). Appreciating the many opportunities that Community Radio provides, they both have greatly enjoyed broadcasting with YVFM for the last nine years. Together they co-host The Christian Experience on Sunday mornings, with the aim of encouraging and uplifting listeners as they present the gospel message over the airwaves. They comment, "We consider it a great blessing to be able to connect with our listeners and help to provide support and encouragement through the ups and downs of life."
	Marcella Sharp	Marcella has presented the Children’s Program for 8 years now, working in close liaison with the Magical Teddies who send their lovely songs and stories down to children from the Rainbow. Marcella would love to fly like the Teddies. Has tried hot air ballooning in South Africa and gliding in the Yarra Valley. So watch out, you may see Marcella up there with the Teddies one day! Check out the Magical Teddies website www.magicalteddies.com.au.
	Chris Street	Chris' love affair with music of the 50s & 60s started when he "played" a guitar with country music singer Smokey Dawson at "Mawson's Academy of Music" in the 1950s. Chris even had his own "make believe" radio station - 3CA Carnegie! He is especially partial to tunes sung by blondes, brunettes and the occasional redhead! When he's not working on his chicken farm (he has worked the land most of his life), Chris enjoys a day out scuba diving. In the meantime, he dreams of retirement. Editor: Chris's dreams have come true, and he has retired to northern Victoria. We thank him for his contribution over the past ten years, and bid him farewell with fond regret.
	Tom Tully	Tom joined YVFM in 2002, but has been presenting his "Mad Cow Comedy" program on-air for 10 years. He is married to Ruby and has a 2-year old daughter called Angel. He is passionate about rally cars and has been driving them for the last 12 years in both Australia and overseas.
	Terry Ware	An old air-guitarist from way back (actually, it was a cricket bat in Terry's case), he recalls the thrill of the first time he heard Bill Haley's "Rock around the Clock" on the radio. Often found trawling through garage sales and speciality shops for that elusive vinyl memory. Shares a love of the 50s & 60s with his wife, the "Kool Kitten". His adrenalin positively flows when a track or obscure singer/band is played on the radio.
	Rob Williams	Rob is happily married with two kids. He has had a passion for radio since he was a boy; "Growing up in the country there wasn’t much else to do except listen to the radio.  I love presenting and would love to be able to do it full time."  Rob has a quirky sense of humour which is reflected in the way he presents his show.  His wide-ranging musical tastes include classics, jazz and easy listening.