As a councillor on Penrith City Council I approached the Australian Broadcasting Authority in 1987, asking them to direct me in obtaining a licence for a community radio station to cover the area from Penrith city to Blacktown. The Penrith Council offered the radio station a house in Collins Street, St Marys. The first general meeting was held in 1988 with the following people present, Dr Jasam, Dr Survery, Mr Noel Donohoe, Mr Ackhoukh, myself and the former mayor Mr Kevin Dwyer who was the meeting convenor.
As a result of this meeting the board of WOW-FM was formed with myself as chairman. The station manager was Judith Marshall who carried out her duties in the position successfully and well until she sadly passed away in 1999.
The station obtained its licence in 2001. I once again obtained the role of chairperson in 2007, as the station was declining in its success. I also started and am continuing to present the health segment, which is sponsored by the Nepean Division of General Practice, who also sponsor the radio station.
I hope that with the help of you all, WOW-FM will be the best community station for the Penrith Valley.