The History and Evolution of ABC Great Southern
For decades, radio has served as a vital lifeline for regional communities, providing news, weather, and connection across vast distances. In Western Australia, ABC Great Southern stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. Serving the Great Southern and parts of the Wheatbelt regions, this station has evolved from a pioneering transmitter in the 1930s to a modern broadcasting hub based in Albany.
Today, the station reaches listeners in key towns such as Albany, Denmark, Katanning, and Narrogin, offering a blend of local programming and essential information that reflects the unique character of the region.
Key Facts
- Owner: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
- First Air Date: 7 December 1936
- Primary Broadcast Area: Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions, WA
- Current Base: Albany, Western Australia
- Programming Format: Talk
- Key Frequencies: 558 or 630 kHz AM
A Pioneering Beginning: The 6WA Era
The origins of the station date back to 1930, during the height of the Great Depression. Originally planned as 6WA, it was the first ABC transmitter established in South West Western Australia. The construction was a significant undertaking, completed by 1935 and consisting of a control-amplifier, battery and transmitter rooms, a workshop, and an engine room to provide power.
The official opening on 7 December 1936 was a grand affair. The gala included musical performances from local bands and a celebratory speech relayed from Canberra. Despite the festivities, the event was not without drama, as a vehicle carrying one of the bands was involved in a crash, requiring medical attention from ABC staff.
Resilience During World War II
During World War II, the station played a critical role in national security. Staff members were granted exemptions from military enlistment to ensure continuous broadcasting. To safeguard communications against the possibility of Japanese forces overtaking Perth, the ABC even established a "skeleton studio" in a house in Wagin to ensure emergency information could still reach the public.
Technical Advancements and Infrastructure Changes
Over the decades, the station underwent several major technical transformations to improve its reach and efficiency:
- 1957: The transmitter power was upgraded to 50 kilowatts.
- 1961: The station transitioned from diesel-generated power to mains electricity, allowing for a reduction in staff and the removal of diesel supplies.
- 1994: Plans to convert the station into an unmanned facility were proposed but stalled due to negotiations with the local Shire Council.
- 2002: The original station facility was demolished and converted into a private residence.
While the original transmitter site was decommissioned, the ABC continued to invest in regional presence. In 2003, a new studio was opened at 58 Tudhoe Street in Wagin. This facility featured modern production areas while retaining a piece of history: an old gold safe from the building's previous life as a Commonwealth Bank.
The Shift to Albany
The Wagin studio served the region for over a decade, hosting various presenters and even providing residential quarters for some staff. However, following significant budget cuts in 2014, the ABC closed the Wagin studio and transferred all operations to the Albany studios. The Wagin building was eventually sold in June 2016.
To better reflect the expanded coverage area following the closure of the Wagin site, the Albany-based station—previously known as ABC South Coast—was rebranded as ABC Great Southern in 2016.
Current Programming and Operations
ABC Great Southern provides a mix of specialized local content and relayed programming from ABC Perth. As of 2021, the station is supported by twelve full-time staff members alongside a team of casual employees.
Weekly Local Schedule
The station focuses on delivering essential local information through several key programs:
- Great Southern Rural Report: 6:15 am – 6:30 am
- Breakfast: 6:35 am – 8:00 am (Presented by Paul Cook)
- Mornings: 10:00 am – 11:00 am (Presented by Peter Barr)
- Saturday Breakfast: 6:00 am – 9:00 am (Presented by Angela Bristow-Baohm)
- Regional WA Drive: Hosted by Andrew Collins, broadcast from the Albany studios.
Outside of these local windows, the station operates as a relay of ABC Perth.
Station Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
| Primary Location | Albany, WA |
| AM Frequencies | 558 kHz or 630 kHz |
| Power Output | 50kW (6WA) / 5kW (6AL) |
| Transmitter Coordinates | 33°20′10.9″S 117°05′32.5″E |
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does ABC Great Southern cover?
The station broadcasts to the Great Southern region and parts of the Wheatbelt in Western Australia, including Albany, Denmark, Katanning, and Narrogin.
When did the station first begin broadcasting?
The station's predecessor, 6WA, officially opened on 7 December 1936.
Where is the current ABC Great Southern studio located?
All current activities and studios are located in Albany, following the closure of the Wagin studio in 2014.
What is the difference between ABC Great Southern and ABC Perth?
ABC Great Southern provides specific local programming (such as Breakfast and Mornings) tailored to the Great Southern region, whereas at other times, it relays the programming broadcast by ABC Perth.
How many staff work at the station?
As of 2021, the station employs twelve full-time staff members in addition to several casual staff.