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2MNO says thank you to Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund
Robin Daley
Recently Monaro Community Radio, 2MNO was informed it had been successful in obtaining funds to further enhance its service to the Monaro.
The funds from Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund have enabled 2MNO to purchase four new CD players to replace the old unreliable ones that would not stop when they were supposed to and destroyed the enjoyment of the station’s listeners to perhaps their favourite songs.
At times the station’s transmitters and receivers have been known to ‘give up the ghost’ which resulted in the station being off air in the middle of a program and again ruin the station’s listeners’ enjoyment.
To receive funding to replace the above equipment with brand new equipment means the station’s listeners can relax and listen to their favourite presenter without worrying about hearing a portion of the song their favourite singer is singing overridden by another singer’s song.
The radio station is proud to know its programs, in these trying times are playing a huge part in providing listeners, in particular the elderly who find it hard to exit their homes can now rely on 2MNO for continuing entertainment and a friendly voice to keep them company.
Eleven other organisations from the former C-M Council area were no doubt also grateful to receive funding in this round of Boco Rock Community Enhancement Funds.
Monaro Community Radio members and friends say a big thank to the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund Committee.
Caption:
Thanks to the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund, 2MNO has brand new equipment for its radio station’s studios.
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Monaro Community Radio’s AGM
Robin Daley
The wonders of modern life. As MCR was not able to hold its AGM in the usual model, the technical blokes put their heads together and tackling the World Wide Web, came up with Zoom.
Now that didn’t mean all the members had to hop in their cars and zoom around Cooma while listening to 2MNO.
Seriously it meant members had to boot up their computers and press this button and that button until they could see president David Browne’s face showing up on their computer screen. And so the 2020 AGM commenced on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at 1pm with twelve members present smiling through their computer screens.
To get the meeting rolling David announced that there had been no new nominations for the so-called vacant positions on the executive for 2020-2021. With all agreeing, it was accepted that the standing positions would remain the same as for 2019-2020.
Those elected are: President, David Brown; Vice-President, Phil Daley; Treasurer, Patrick Booker; Secretary, Bill Steptoe.
The other positions accepted are displayed on www.2mno.org.au for the perusal of interested people.
There was much discussion about re-opening the Nimmitabel studio but owing to there being only one studio at Nimmitabel Community Centre it was agreed the risk was too great with the resurgence of COVID-19. The present program for the Cooma studios would be ongoing. President Browne explained the reason for using the two Cooma studios was because it allowed presenters to incorporate social distancing.
Fundraising, or the lack of it, in 2020 and presumably early 2021 was discussed with members worried about the financial position of MCR. Treasurer Pat Booker outlined the finances of the radio station and all agreed, with care and modest spending the organisation would get through these restrictive times. The president thanked heartily the efforts of the fundraising committee for all their hard work.
Thanks were also given to the technical boys for their hard work keeping the radio station on the airwaves during the year.
The president concluded, saying, “I would also like to note the support of our fabulous sponsors who have stuck with us through these uncertain times.”
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Fay, the fair dinkum 2MNO Golden Girl
Robin Daley
Fay Freebody is a fair dinkum Cooma girl having been born and raised in Cooma. Fay spent her young years living on the Coolringdon property west of Cooma. Fay’s father worked for John and Betty Casey and Fay has nothing but lovely memories of growing up on the property.
Fay was one of four kids. Bruce was the eldest, then Fay, Ned and Dell. Unfortunately Bruce and Dell both died in their 60s and that left Ned and Fay a very closeknit duo.
One of Fay’s strong memories was about Betty Casey, the wife of John. “She was a lovely lady”, Fay said. “Whenever she went to Cooma she would always come home with lollies for the four of us. She spoilt us kids.
“She loved her horses and everyday she and my Dad would saddle up and ride around checking the stock.”
After attending St Patrick’s Parish School for her schooling Fay worked at the Four Mile garage waiting on tables in the café. Later she worked for Neville Lockyer at the Pine Valley Museum. After marrying Fay had three children, one boy and two girls.
Fay is a volunteer for St John Ambulance and during the fires in early 2020, Fay was working at the Cooma evacuation centre caring for the elderly people who had to move from their homes. For another two weeks during the fires Fay was in Batemans Bay with St John caring for the elderly there. She has also been involved in setting up first aid tents at most of the local agriculture shows and as Fay said, St John also attends bike races and car races.
Fay is not only a presenter on 2MNO but she also volunteers to work on the radio station’s fairy floss fundraising stall at the Adaminaby Races, the Bombala Show, the Dalgety Show and other events.. These fundraising days are long hard days often on very hot days.
But that is not all. Fay also volunteered to be the Librarian at the station, cataloguing and numbering the many CDs donated to the station and making sure they are returned after they have been borrowed by presenters.
As Fay’s father was a country music fan and listened to ‘Boots’ Lansley on Canberra radio station 2CA a lot, it is no wonder that her favourite music is country music. One day talking to David Miller about music he asked her would she like to come and see the local community radio. One day she decided to go to the station’s studio and David told her he would train her to be a presenter. This happened when 2MNO was in the studio in Commissioner Street, Cooma, quite a few years ago.
“I started presenting and one day when David was training me, his phone rang and he left me while he answered his phone. I was very nervous but when he came back he said he had been listening to me while on the phone and that I had done well”.
Fay is on air every Sunday afternoon following her brother Ned’s Sunday morning program and naturally she plays country music. She and Ned both have a large following of listeners. You can hear Fay on 2MNO from 12noon to 2pm every Sunday afternoon. Fay is a dyed-in-the-wool country music fan.
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Margaret, another 2MNO Golden Girl
Robin Daley
Margaret Faulkner came to Cooma in 1993 because two of her children lived there. While settling into the Monaro, Margaret lived in Cooma, Jindabyne and Dalgety. While in Dalgety living out on a farming property with her daughter Carol, their home was filmed for the film ‘Jindabyne’.
Excitement reigned as Margaret and Carol waiting anxiously for the film to be shown in picture theatres, thinking they may be in the film. Their excitement turned to disappointment when viewing the film they realised their moment of fame had hit the cutting room floor.
“Our home swarmed with camera people, actors, production people and film directors, so we were sure at least our house would be in the film.
“We had a good laugh after we saw the film and realised we weren’t in it,” Margaret said.
Growing up in Geelong, Victoria, the move to the Monaro must have been a shock with the weather being a little cooler than in Geelong.
Margaret has settled in Cooma with her beautiful cat, Whisper. Listening to the radio over time she said to herself, “I can do that”, so in 2007 she joined Monaro Community Radio. Finding a slot on Thursdays between 10am and 1pm, she was tutored in the radio workings by David Miller, who told her when she said she was keen to become of presenter, “We’ll have to get you on air”.
Staying in the studio to help her get used to all the levers and the microphone, Margaret said, “One day Dave said, see you later I’m off down the coast. He left me very scared I would make a mistake but I managed quite well.
Margaret added, “However having Dave for my tutor I have been learning quite a bit of the technical side of the radio world.”
Margaret calls her program, ‘Thank God for Country Radio’ a take on Alan Jackson’s song “Thank God for the Radio”. “I found country music and I love it,” she said. And incidentally so do her listeners.
Putting up her hand to volunteer to carry out one of the station’s jobs, Margaret is the Program Manager. Not an easy job to do. When a presenter phones Margaret to say they cannot do their spot on the radio that week because of sickness or family visitors, etc., Margaret has to phone around and hope she can get a replacement for that spot. She understands that presenters have times when they just can’t do their spot sometimes for various reasons. The station has a back-up system if no presenter is available and the station’s listeners do not go without pleasant music to listen to.
Margaret is another one of the station’s long term women presenters. Her favourite music is also the favourite of many of the station’s listeners.
Caption:
Margaret’s love of country music brings joy and happiness to many Monaro people.
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Claire, a golden girl of 2MNO
Robin Daley
Claire Neumeyer came to Cooma in 1985 leaving Mount Isa to take up residence in a new home her husband, Hans had built as he had fond memories of working for the SMA as a painter, and of the magnificent Snowy-Monaro scenery. The house is also an art studio for Han’s Baroque style paintings.
“We arrived to a bare garden with lot of weeds and rocks. Hans turned it into a lovely garden which we have opened up for many fundraising events,” Claire said.
Claire’s mother was not keen for Claire to leave the family home in Brisbane until she was 21-years-old but once she turned 21 she found work in many areas around Australia. Claire has worked in Darwin, Perth, Sydney, Mt Isa, Port Moresby, and the Department of Defence in Canberra. Working for a company in Port Moresby which employed Indigenous girls in the typing pool, Claire helped the girls with their English. At one time when one of the young girls was called upon to present a bouquet of flowers to former prime minister, Sir Michael Somari, Claire helped the young girl learn how to present the flowers in the correct manner.
Working as a secretary, hotel receptionist and occasionally a waitress in Mt Isa, Claire crossed paths with her future husband Hans at dances in Mt Isa where he worked for 13 years as a contract painter.
Claire said, “In Mt Isa I had a lovely home with a pool and all my friends treated my place like it was a club.”
It wasn’t until Claire returned to Mt Isa for reunion in the 1984, that she finally met Hans properly
Working for Commonwealth Employment Service in Cooma as manager, Claire retired in 1998 when the CES was closed down. After the closure of CES, Claire did some work at Workability and Cooma Challenge where she became friends with David Price who is also a presenter on 2MNO.
On retirement Claire turned to fund raising for her hobby. Over the ensuring years Claire has organised, along with other Cooma ladies, many fund raising events to raise money for many local charities.
“We raised money for the Monaro Early Intervention Service and many other worthy causes.
“We put on events such as ‘Wedding gowns around the World’, ‘Melbourne Cup luncheons’, ‘Welcome to Spring’, ‘Back to the 1920s’ and ‘Back to the 1960s’.
“We always gave prizes for the Best dressed or Best costumes depending on the event.
“For doing what I loved doing, in 2016 at the Cooma Australia Day ceremony, I was awarded an Achievement Award.
“I was also awarded a Paul Harris award from the Cooma Rotary Club, for fund raising.”
Claire began as a volunteer presenter for Monaro Community Radio, 2MNO some 15-years-ago and took up the responsibility of securing community event notices which are read out by all presenters on Good Morning Monaro and other program slots.
“I do my program, ‘Round and About’, three hours a week on Fridays between 12 noon and 3pm and I love playing semi classics, love songs and opera. I also announce community notices letting people know what is going on in our district.”
She adds, “2MNO is an important part of my life and I enjoy the friendship of all the presenters. We are indeed a happy family.”
Caption:
In the 2MNO public survey in 2018, Claire and her program had many complimentary comments from listeners.
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Following is a letter poem written by one presenter to 2MNO which encompasses how most presenters feel.
Dear 2MNO,
How I enjoy being one of your presenters
I walk into the studio beautiful arrangement of flowers waits on our work table
The cares of the days depart
Music takes over – one moves around the world —
All types of sounds, from many different countries
We even get to know of all local community events
A technician pokes his head in our studio sorting out our technical problems
Comradeship prevails at our monthly meetings
Yes 2MNO I love being one of your presenters.
Thank you!!!
Claire, 2019.
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Comments about 2MNO FM from the 2018 Survey
Very happy with the station over all, but does seem to be off the air often.
News announcements are very good e.g. What’s happening locally, and funeral announcements.
Love 2MNO.
Presenters are all good.
All shows are great.
All 2MNO presenters do a fantastic job.
2MNO is the only station I tune into at home and in the car.
Wonderful station 2MNO Monaro FM. Keep up the good work David Browne.
I also like the coming events, especially the funeral announcements.
I think you are providing a well balanced program for all listeners. It is the only way to go. We do not need extra news or current affairs from outside our area. There is too much of that on other radio stations. That’s why I listen to 2MNO for music and community events.
My favourite presenters are on Thursdays 9.00 – 4.00.
Favourite shows on 2MNO? ALL.
More country style music to suit our country listeners.
What are your favourite shows on 2MNO? All Shows.
What are your favourite shows on 2MNO? News, Music, mainly country western,, Green Bottle (Tuesdays), Local news.
Who are your favourite presenters? No reservations, enjoy all presenters.
I usually listen when the other radio stations are broadcasting sport.
Specially enjoy music presented by the gentleman with speech difficulty.
Please not – sadly unable to get signal in the home in Berridale.
Who are your favourite presenters? Do not have anyone in particular just enjoy the music.
I suggest less detail in sport reporting on Saturday.
Does this station meet your need? All good as is.
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Country music wins
The results of the 2018 survey of Monaro Community Radio (2MNO FM) are in. The survey was initiated by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and the information gained was collated by McNair yellowSquares, a leading market research agency in Australia.
Some very interesting statistics have come to the executive and the members of 2MNO. The gender results showed more men than women listen to the station, the average age of listeners is 62 years and the average listening time is 27.3 hours per week. The most popular listening times are 9am to 3pm with 3pm to 7pm running a close second.
With regards to the listening public’s choice in music, Country music wins by a large margin, followed by 60s and 70s music and Easy Listening music. Strangely enough, Rap music came in last!
Most people listen to 2MNO in their homes with many listening in their cars. There was also a fair percentage of people listening to 2MNO at work.
In the question about the station fulfilling listeners’ needs;
‘Station I trust’- 82 per cent;
‘Is a station for me’ – 85%;
‘Is a station I relate to’ – 80%;
‘Plays good music’ – 94%;
‘Has good presenters’ – 88%;
‘Understands its listeners’ – 77%;
‘Is part of my life’ – 74%.
For the question, ‘What listeners want from your station’ apart from music, was a resounding ‘Information about the local area and local issues’. Listeners also indicated they liked to hear ‘Information about my own community or interest group’ and ‘Australian news and information’.
The survey also had a good amount of listeners’ comments about the station. Here are some of the comments:
- Very happy with the station over all;
- News announcements are very good e.g. What’s happening locally, and funeral announcements;
- Love 2MNO;
- Presenters are all good;
- All shows are great;
- All 2MNO presenters do a fantastic job;
- 2MNO is the only station I tune into at home and in the car;
- Wonderful station 2MNO Monaro FM. Keep up the good work;
- I also like the coming events, especially the funeral announcements;
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JOHN BARILARO SECURES FUNDING FOR A NEW ROOF
FOR THE 2MNO STUDIO
Member for Monaro and Deputy Premier, Mr John Barilaro has announced the NSW Government has approved a grant to Monaro Community Radio to replace its studio roof. The funding was provided through the Stronger Communities Fund. Mr Barilaro came to 2MNO’s studio on Monday, March 4th along with Bronnie Taylor MLA, to announce the funding. President, David Browne thanked Mr Barilaro for securing the funding and said the new roof would now be good protection for the radio station’s expensive broadcast equipment. Mr Browne said the studio is situated in the Cooma North shopping complex which was constructed in the height of the Snowy Hydro building period and the roofing iron is showing its age.
“We thank John and appreciate his assistance in securing the funding for us to re-roof the studio.”
The quest to secure funding was commenced when Mr Barilaro was asked to draw the winning ticket for 2MNO’s Christmas raffle last year. Holding the box full of raffle tickets Mr Barilaro asked vice-president, Phil Daley if there was anything else he could do to help the radio station. Phil filled Mr Barilaro in about the leaking studio roof and Mr Barilaro said to send the information to his office in Queanbeyan and he would see what he could do. By February the radio station knew it was to receive funding to repair the studio roof.
John Barilaro (far left) and Bronnie Taylor MLA (far right) met with 2MNO’s technical officers (from left) Bill Steptoe, Richard Mackay, David Miller and Harry Salmela
Mr Barilaro looks very comfortable behind the microphone at the 2MNO Cooma studio
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BOCO ROCK COMMUNITY FUND DELIVERS FOR MONARO FM
In 2018, Monaro Community Radio (Monaro FM) made a grant funding application to the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund. Monaro FM was successful in its application which provided for a backup transmitter and receiver for its Mt Emerald transmission site. The Mt Emerald transmitter provides the stations main broadcasts over the greater Monaro on FM 93.3, with feeds to Jindabyne on FM 93.9 and Bombala on FM 103.7.
Previously, any failure of the Mt Emerald transmitter or receiver meant that broadcasts were “off air” until a repair could be made or a replacement could be borrowed. This meant broadcasts were affected for days and sometime weeks. With the new backup transmitter and receiver installed, if there are any faults with the main transmitter it can now switch to backup units and be back on air in shorter time frames.
Monaro FM and its listeners are very appreciative of the grant made by the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund and the support from Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
2MNO’s vice president Phil Daley thanks Mayor John Rooney (right)
for the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund grant.
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2MNO, a finalist in community radio awards
In November 2018 Nimmitabel presenters, Tess Hudson and Craig Schumacher, travelled to Orange, NSW to attend the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement & Community Awards presentations. Tess and Craig accepted a Certificate of Achievement award on behalf of Monaro Community Radio station, in the category, ‘The icare Connecting Communities Award’, of which there were 100 entrants.
2MNO president David Browne thanked Tess and Craig for attending the awards and commented how excellent it was the local community radio station had received recognition for the role it plays in connecting communities in the Snowy-Monaro region. He said the submission for the awards had focused on the role the station plays in making the lives of lonely people in our area much better, along with free funeral announcements and free community organisation announcements every weekday morning between 9 and 10am.
Monaro Community Radio 2MNO FM has also been named as a finalists in the CBAA 2018 National Community Radio Awards, in the category, Best Station Fundraising Campaign, Small Station; Australian Country Concert (2MNO FM 90.5, Cooma, NSW).
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2MNO presented an evening of Country Music
2MNO held a very successful Country Music Concert in June 2018 at the Cooma Ex-Services Club at which more than 100 people attended. The concert was instigated and organised by 2MNO presenters, Garry Thompson and Leanne Oliver. Many local Monaro people attended with other people driving long distances to hear good country music. The night included performances by Matilda Rose and Alice Plumb, Montgomery Church, Michelle Russell with Louise Bowerman, Ernie Constance, Alex Winnell and Vicki Walsh. All the musicians were very well received. Monaro Community Radio sincerely thanks these talented musicians. Also, all the supporters for their continued loyalty to 2MNO. And especially the Cooma Ex-Services Club for the generous use of the club’s auditorium, which was set up for the concert by the Club’s personnel.
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When does Monaro Community Radio meet?
Monaro Community Radio (2MNO) holds its monthly meeting every second Sunday of the month. The meeting is held at the Cooma Ex-Services Club downstairs in the Board’s Meeting Room. All members are most welcome to come and have their say on how the radio station is best run.
The meeting commences at 1pm and will run for approximately two hours. Light refreshments are served at the close of the meeting.
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2MNO’s Melbourne Cup Luncheon, 2017
2MNO held a Melbourne Cup Luncheon at the Cooma Ex-Services Club on Tuesday the 7th of November 2017. Much fun was had by all. A huge thank you to Fay and David for being part of organising team for the event. Many others were also instrumental in the making of an excellent afternoon. Here is a photo showing us how one used to dress for the Melbourne Cup and how one might dress for the Cup today.
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Vale a 2MNO stalwart, Matt Miller
In 2017, 2MNO was very sad to see the passing of four of its much loved presenters. The youngest of those who passed on was Matt Miller or “Mad Matt Mario” as he called himself. Matt was a mere 35 years old when he died in July, 2017 and he left a large gap in 2MNO’s programs.
One of Matt’s particular friends was regular presenter, Fay Freebody who Matt loved to call Granny Clampett after the shot-gun toting granny from the TV show, the Beverly Hillbillies. Fay said she misses Matt and his sense of humour.