2Max FM awarded Michelle Gray Life Membership

Narrabri Shire community radio station 2MAX FM recently presented Wee Waa’s Michelle Gray with a Life Membership Award, recognising her outstanding contribution as a volunteer, supporter, member and presenter.

Michelle first hit the 2MAX FM airwaves in about 2008, but her involvement with the station goes back much further, to 2000, when her sister Bec first started announcing.

From those early days, Michelle was a familiar face around the studio, sitting in, observing and helping Bec and her mum Kay, who is also a 2MAX FM presenter.

It wasn’t until the station’s previous Thursday afternoon drive-time announcer hung up their headphones that Michelle decided it was time to give announcing a go.

Like many first-time presenters, Michelle was described as ‘a little shy and quiet’ in the beginning, but she has certainly found her voice over the years, recalled her fellow 2 MAX FM volunteers.

Previously, Michelle received the Barry Hogan Memorial Award for Most Improved Announcer.

The 2MAX FM team said Michelle has grown in confidence and ability, and today she thoroughly enjoys presenting her own show, Cruisin’ with Shell.

She also generously fills in for other announcers whenever she can, fitting it in around her work commitments.

Michelle has built up a loyal following of listeners who enjoy tuning in to her program, and she particularly loves having a chat with those who phone in with requests.

But Michelle’s contribution to 2 MAX FM extends well beyond the microphone.

Over the years, she has been involved in an incredible range of station activities and community events, always willing to lend a hand and support the station wherever needed.

These activities have included the Narrabri Spring Carnival parades

over the October long weekend, the Convoy for Kids, and practically

every outdoor broadcast 2 MAX FM has participated in.

She has taken part in two 24-hour Shear-a-thons at Boggabri, as well as Relay for Life events at Wee Waa, Narrabri and Boggabri.

Michelle has also been involved in the numerous Boggabri Campfires, the Narrabri and Wee Waa Shows, and the Bingara Orange Festival.

While the transmission equipment may not have cooperated particularly well at Bingara, the team still had a great time and enjoyed meeting some lovely listeners from the area.

Her involvement has also included 2 MAX FM open days and Biggest Morning Teas, as well as trips to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, where she enjoys the opportunity to see some of her favourite country music artists perform live.

Unfortunately, some of the events that Michelle has supported over the years, such as the Narrabri Spring Carnival parades, are no longer held.

However, the memories remain, along with the friendships made and the many hours of work contributed to promoting 2 MAX FM throughout the community.

And while these events are important, one of Michelle’s greatest contributions is often the work that happens quietly in the background.

She is always there to help with whatever needs doing around the station whether it is supporting an event, helping with station activities, getting involved in community broadcasts or simply lending a hand when needed.

That willingness to help, her commitment to the station, her connection with listeners and her enjoyment of being part of the 2 MAX FM family are all qualities that make her such a valued member of our team.

Life Membership is about recognising someone’s long-standing commitment, dedication and service.

Michelle has demonstrated all of these qualities throughout her many years of involvement with 2 MAX FM.

From those early days around the studio in 2000, to becoming an established announcer and a familiar voice on the airwaves, she has continued to give her time, energy and enthusiasm to the station.

“Michelle, on behalf of everyone at 2 MAX FM, congratulations on this very well-deserved Life Membership Award,” said her volunteer colleagues.

“Thank you for everything you have contributed to the station over the years, for the time you have given, the events you have supported, the listeners you have connected with and the help you continue to provide behind the scenes.

“We are delighted to recognise your contribution today and look forward to many more years of having you as part of the 2 MAX FM family.

“Congratulations, Michelle, and thank you for your wonderful service to 2 MAX FM.”

The Courier/Wee Waa News asked Michelle why she loved contributing to community radio: “I enjoy playing the music and finding new music to play,” she said.

“I love talking to the listeners that have phoned in to request a song and they’ve become friends.”

Michelle said she would encourage others to get involved and enjoy being part of a community radio team.

“We are always looking for some new announcers to come join the team. They can contact the station for more information or any of the announcers,” Michelle added.