There are so many interesting people involved at Radio Blue Mountains both behind the mic and behind the scenes, that we thought we’d share their stories here on the RBM website.

Geoffrey Munford and his 2023 Honorary Life Membership. Geoff retired a matter of weeks later.

Q: Hi Geoff, thanks for taking time out to speak with us!

A: All good.

Q: Congratulations on your recent Life Membership award at the 2022 AGM (which took place in January 2023). You looked really moved to receive the award. What does the award mean to you?

A:I have always gained satisfaction from work that I have completed that assists my organisation but it is always very nice to get recognition as well.

Q: Did you have an inkling that you might be in line to receive the award?

A: No.

Q: So tell us, how and when did you first get involved in radio? Have you been at other stations before RBM? 

A:I had to do work to obtain my pay from Centrelink and I always look to work in a different industry when I go for a new job.  I have always had an interest in audio but never worked with it.

Q: Have you ever presented a radio show, or is the behind the scenes work more up your street?

A: Yes and yes! I presented an indigenous show delivered to us on a CD every week but I much prefer behind the scenes work.

Q: You’ve been doing this for quite some time. What are the major differences you’ve seen in the station since your early days at Gang Gang Street (RBM’s previous HQ) and today at Parke Street, Katoomba?

A: In Gang Gang street my work was broken as money was not always available to complete projects and projects would continue when new funds arrive. Eg someone had just paid their membership.  Now projects are funded at the beginning of the work.

Q: And what are the major technical advances that you have witnessed in radio broadcasting?

A: The advent of Digital Audio Broadcasting. Eg AoIP (Audio over Internet Protocol-the Dante Network).

Q: What advice would you give anyone interested in getting involved in radio, be it in the technical behind the scenes roles like you, or presenting a show?

A: Be open to a very wide scope personalities.

Q: Do you think Community Radio is seen as a stepping stone to the more commercial FM stations by some people, or is it it’s own, unique environment?

A:Many people have cut their teeth in Community Radio before entering Commercial Radio.

Q: And what’s your favourite pastime outside of RBM?

A: Dancing! Latin American, Ballroom and New Vogue.

Okay some rapid fire questions and answers now, Geoff!

Favourite Band? None really but The Seekers, Meatloaf, Air Supply, Bon Jovi, Brian Cad come immediately to mind.

Favourite Song? You Raise Me Up by Gosh Groban.

Favourite Music era? I don’t have one.

Favourite sport? I have no interest in any sport.

So no favourite team? No, none.

Favourite food? Water melon.

Favourite Drink? Chilled milk.

Favourite holiday destination? Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

And finally Geoff, complete this sentence: “If I won a million bucks tomorrow I would . . . . “  

1. Buy a house.
2. Buy a camper van.
3.Donate to Redshield Appeal and the Parramatta organisation that feeds the homeless around Parramatta.
4. Invest the rest.
5. Maybe a trip to Angkor Wat.

Thanks very much, Geoff. 

RL.