Our History

3MDR 89.9 fm, 106.5 fm & 97.1 fm

1983
Because of the Ash Wednesday bushfires a meeting was convened in 1983 by Mr Peter Colenso . The reason was to get a better emergency system for the people in the Dandenongs, as the present system was inadequate. In attendance at the this meeting were the other founding members of 3MDR: Ron Harmer, Simon and Greta Ferguson, and Robert Fogarty.

The first board of 3MDR was formed in 1985/86 and consisted of Brian Dumps [President], Ron Hadley [V/P,] Barbara Baxter [Sec] , David Hutton [Treas], Len Hamilton , Ian Porter, Robert Fogarty ,Greg Webb, R Chapman , Paul Easton , Peter Colenso, Tom McGee, Ron Harmer [Technical ]

1985

3MDR first started test transmissions in 1985 as 89.9 fm, and in 1990 found our home on the dial at 97.1fm when our full broadcasting licence was granted.

3MDR has had many homes in its 35 year plus history: beside the Cockatoo water tower, behind Mary and Lionel Lattemer’s house in a bus which was fitted out as a radio station, a milkbar in Belgrave and above the Mechanic’s Hall in Emerald.

Humble Beginnings
3MDR first started with turn tables and cassettes then moved on to Laptop computers etc. over a period of twenty plus years. Although the turntables and cassette players are still being used! The studio and equipment is far more up to date but like any technology always in need replacement and repair. 3MDR had ‘temporary’ accommodation in the Emerald Hall for seventeen years from 2001 – 2018.

2018

3MDR moved to the historic Forest Park Homestead, located adjacent to Upwey South Primary School in January 2018. This ten room homestead is a Victorian Education Department building and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful future here.

Volunteers
3MDR is a Community Based Organisation supported by the local community and staffed by fabulous people who volunteer their time and energy to bringing you the events and information relating to your local areas. Drop by and have a chat to see how you can be involved!

Supporters and volunteers always welcome.