3CR Community Radio

Elizabeth Kourtis passed away on the 9th of January in Moe aged 86. Elizabeth was a long-time volunteer at 3CR and worked as the stations listener sponsor coordinator, reception volunteer and programmer, presenting the program Calling all Women, one of the very early programs on the 3CR grid, on-air until Elizabeth’s retirement in 2011. Elizabeth was a member of the Union of Australian Women, the Australian USSR friendship society and the Australian Bulgarian friendship society making a lasting contribution to the politics of these organisations and the politics and programming at 3CR. Through her work with the Australian USSR friendship society Elizabeth organised a significant financial contribution to the station, funds that will go towards replacing our roof. Over her many years as a volunteer and member of 3CR, Elizabeth’s contributions to our organisation made her a valued and important member of the 3CR community. Our sincere condolences to her family and her many friends and comrades within 3CR. 

It is with great sadness that we at 3CR acknowledge the passing of Gilla McGuinness on Tuesday 9th Jan 2018. Gilla was a well loved and respected 3CR broadcaster and will be greatly missed at the station by programmers, volunteers and staff. We offer our heart-felt condolences to Johnny Mac and family.

Gilla made an enormous contribution to broadcasting at the station. In the Aboriginal community of Melbourne if you have something to say Gilla would help you say it by giving you a voice on radio. He has always tackled the issues and struggles of his community head on and yet maintained integrity and respect while doing so. He was the longest serving Aboriginal broadcaster on 3CR and at 41 years on air perhaps even in Australia. Gilla presented Precious Memories community and country music program on Wednesdays, but before that he was a long-term presenter on the Koori Survival Show. 

Gilla was a founding producer and programmer on the Beyond the Bars prison project and conceived, developed and produced the Yarra Elders Precious Memories project, recording and broadcasting elder’s stories and history, struggles, survival, celebrations, achievements and concerns. Gilla produced and programmed countless important community events, including broadcasts from the Tent Embassy in Canberra, the Commonwealth Games protests, the National Apology in Canberra, Survival Day concerts, Land Rights protests, Sorry Day ceremonies and rallies, NAIDOC week broadcasts from Aboriginal community organisations including the Aboriginal Health Service, the MAYSAR Aboriginal gym.  

The 3CR community mourns Gilla’s loss, he was definitely one of a kind, and the station will not be the same without his fighting spirit. We love you Gilla! 3CR will be collecting funds to support Gilla’s family through this time. You can contribute by making a donation at the station for details email  Loretta.

We know you love our 3CR t-shirts and so do we! If you're still looking for an end of year gift then come and pick up a shirt for yourself or for a friend. Our shirts come in a range of colors including, black, white, yellow, baby blue and grey. We've restocked all sizes in black and grey. Come and pick up your 3CR t-shirt at the station, order online now, or phone the office during b/hrs on 03 9419 8377. 

photo featuring our lovely 3CR staff and volunteers: Jane, Kibby, Michaela and Thanh Hằng. 

Sunday 3 December is International day of People with Disability. From 7am – 7pm we’ll be covering many topics, from discrimination and violence against people with disability, to education and employment, benefits, wages and equal pay, communication and relationships, arts and music – everything and anything that gives voice to the rights and achievements of people with disability. This year we have an exhibition of photographs from previous Disability Day celebrations so come in to 3CR and see some wonderful images complete with poems, quotes and braille captions. Check out the program plan for the day here.