Bumper celebration planned as Wangaratta’s beloved 3NE turns 70

Wangaratta‘s iconic AM radio station 1566 3NE is set to celebrate a momentous milestone as it turns 70 years old.

The station will commemorate 3NE’s rich history with a day of festivities on Wednesday, March 27^th.

To mark the occasion, 3NE will host a nine-and-a-half-hour outside broadcast from the doorstep of the station at 19 Templeton Street.

Well known 3NE alumni include Channel Nine’s Tony Jones, newsreader Nikole Gunn, Patrina Jones from The Christian O’Connell Show, Ray Tyrrel, Troy Ellis from Triple M’s Marty Sheargold Show, Smooth FM brekky host Mike Perso and Jarrod Graetz.

Led by host Matt Hobbs, the celebration promises to be a star-studded affair.

Tales of Nick Coe, Malcolm T Elliot, Rick Melbourne (aka Dick Sydney) gracing the studios of the building will surely feature on the airwaves this day.

3NE made its debut broadcast from the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in 1954. Over the years, the station has been a cornerstone of the community, entertaining audiences with ballroom broadcasts, children’s shows, and live coverage of local football matches.

Notably, 3NE also played a pioneering role in regional broadcasting by being among the first stations to connect to Melbourne‘s newsrooms, receiving updates via fax.

General Manager Owen Godenzi says “It will be a privilege to be part of this milestone. The heritage of the station is something that all past and present employees should be extremely proud of. Being a major part of this community for 70 years is an extraordinary effort.”

As preparations for the festivities continue, members of the community are invited to join in on the celebration. Those interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to Matt Hobbs via email at [email protected]

As it happens I started my own radio journey at this wonderful station back in 1991.

Happy 70^th 3NE.