Photos: Supplied.
Volunteer radio announcer Tim Abra may have recently hung up his headphones after 31 years on air, but has yet to retire from his big-rig trucking career. Tim (“The Tricky Truckie”) has been a familiar voice on local community broadcaster Bay FM 100.3 since 1993, sharing his love of country music with listeners in various time slots.
Tim felt privileged to present the first program to be heard on the station, originally broadcast from an old house in Middle Street, Cleveland, where the police station now stands. His passion for radio was well and truly ignited, and so began a juggling act for Tim, who had to fit both his radio and driving commitments into his busy life.
“I can recall many times when I’d roll up in the Mack truck to Bay FM after driving all day and jump out of the cab with minutes to spare before I went to air,” Tim said with a smile. At that time, he was presenting the midnight to dawn country music program.
Back in the early days, there was only one studio, which was very cramped due to bulky equipment occupying the space. Tim was using records, tapes, CDs and cassettes, which were bundled into a large suitcase that he took with him on the road. After his shift, it was a mad three-minute scramble to pack up and clear the studio for the next announcer.
Despite only having basic resources then, the station was a welcome voice in the Redlands. It has gone from strength to strength over the years, due to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
With the establishment of Bay FM’s upgraded premises in Thornlands, announcers found life much easier, with new technology on board, and the luxury of two spacious studios.
“It was an honour for me to broadcast the very first Baybreeze Country Show from there … no more ghostly noises, no more electrical blackouts, no more driving up to Mount Cotton, flicking the switch on the generator after a storm.
“I’ve made some wonderful friends over the past 31 years, and enjoyed every minute at Bay FM. I’ve won some valued awards, including Most Improved Presenter way back in 1997, and a Golden Microphone for 30 years of service. I also have many precious memories.”
With a bit of extra time on his hands now, Tim is looking forward to taking some vehicles from his historic truck collection to more shows. Keep an eye out for him, and make sure you say hello to this local legend.
