Sunbury Community radio host and Sunshine resident Ron Bourke tells Zoe Moffatt about his connection with the west and journey in radio.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’ve spent about half my life working in radio, starting out in regional stations in various places across three states. I eventually landed a job in news at 3AW in 1989, which was my final paid gig. I joined Sunbury Radio at the suggestion of my late brother in law John Bent who was station manager at the time.
Tell us about your time at 3AW and one of your favourite moments?
There’s never a dull moment in a big newsroom, you never know what each day will bring. I enjoyed the variety of stories you get to cover, but media conferences at my AFL team North Melbourne were always special.
The Coode Island chemical fires were probably the most scary for me. At first nobody knew what toxins were billowing in the air and my granddaughters, who were very young at the time, were living close by in Yarraville.
What’s your connection to Sunbury and Melbourne’s west?
Although I don’t live in Sunbury, I enjoy coming to the town each week to present the radio show. It’s a thriving town that is growing fast.
What do you like about where you live?
I love living in Melbourne, I think it’s the best city in Australia, but better public transport is needed to get more cars off the road.
And what, if anything, would you change about where you live?
What I would change if I could would be to do more to combat global warming. I fear we are going to leave a ruined planet to future generations.
Where is your favourite place to spend time?
My favourite place to hang out is Marvel Stadium watching North Melbourne play but I admit that’s been disappointing this season. Also arriving at Sunbury Radio early each Tuesday morning to present another program still gives me a buzz.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
Maybe people would be surprised to know that I’ve been married to my wife Jamie for 60 years.
Also this late in life I’ve started to enjoy cooking, particularly pasta dishes, with a little advice from wife Jamie.
You can listen to Ron’s weekly breakfast show on 99.3FM from 6am to 9am, where the latest Sunbury Star Weekly stories are discussed.
