The voice of the shire, Bob Birkhead is signing off

Bob presents is last broadcast of his popular Breezin’ program on Monday, January 29.

He has been presenting his show for almost seven years after becoming involved in community radio almost by accident.

“I was involved in trying to establish a Bendigo Bank in the shire and was invited on to 2SSR to be interviewed,” he said.

“After the interview they asked me whether I had ever considered getting involved in community radio.

“I love music and the community and so I thought, why not give it a go. In a very short space of time I was on the air.

“I hadn’t thought about community radio before but after I tried it I wish I had.

“When I started in radio I set myself two objectives. I wanted to entertain people and to keep them informed of what was happening in the shire.”

Since he started broadcasting Bob has done over 650 interviews.

“I’ve interviewed federal and state politicians, every shire mayor since Carol Provan, and all the local police commanders.

“And I’ve interviewed so many not-for-profit organisations. I’ve got a real belief that not-for-profits do a tremendous lot of good work for the community and don’t get they enough recognition.”

Bob said one of the most memorable interviews  he did  was with former NSW Premier Mike Baird.

“He came to the radio station and his entourage said he could only stay for 20 minutes,” Bob said.

“He stayed for an hour-and-a-quarter, mingling with the people at the station.”

Other memorable interviews included child protection advocate Freda Briggs, Emeritus Professor at the University of South Australia.

“I’ve had a strong association with the National Child Protection Alliance and Freda was very strongly involved,” Bob said.

“She had been interviewed many times before and she told me afterwards that mine was the most comprehensive interview she had ever done.

“The most inspirational interview I did was with Dr Karen Crawley, a supporter of the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

“Karen and her husband Craig lost their daughter Kara to mitochondrial disease last year.

“Karen took part in the foundation’s Bloody Long Walk, a 35km walk which supports families affected by the disease and to raise funds for research into the disease.

“They have a series of these 35km walks around Australia. Karen took part in seven of them and she pushed a wheelchair covered in names to those who have died or been affected by the disease.”

Before radio, Bob worked in various senior management roles.

He was assistant general manager with the St George Building Society and terminal manager in Spotswood, Melbourne for Esso Australia.

But community radio has given him a whole different perspective.

“I honestly believe if you have a passion for your community, then community radio is a good way to display that.

“Community radio is an undervalued community asset. It’s a good opportunity to get your message out in the shire.”

While he is leaving the shire, Bob said there are several causes that he feels are important to promote the shire including the need for a cruise terminal at Botany Bay, a hotel at Cronulla and a ferry service around Botany Bay and linking to Port Jackson and Port Hacking.

Bob and his wife, Susan have lived in Bonnet Bay for 40 years and are moving to Noosa to be closer to son, Cameron and his family who are based in Brisbane. They also have a daughter, Nadene.

Bob is hoping to continue his involvement in community radio and has applied to work at 101.3 Noosa community radio.

And he will still be heard on 2SSR even though he is living in Noosa, presenting his weekly basketball report, Sideline Eyes.