Trevor Young has been a radio announcer at 2PK, and later also ROK-FM, since arriving in Parkes back in 1996.

Now he and his family are off to the Gold Coast and today is his last day on local radio.

It may not be common knowledge but Trevor has actually been a radio announcer since he was 12!

He was born and raised in Bathurst and started in the local community radio when he was just 12 and at primary school in 1976.

“I have always had a yearning for radio, had the radio bug since I was a kid,” he recalled yesterday.

“They started up the community radio at Mitchell College as it was known then (now  Charles Sturt University), and I thought I might have a look at it.

“They accepted me as a volunteer and I was put on the roster, doing an hour a week of a Thursday.

“I played solid gold music of the 60s.  I had the records, and would go to the library to find books which would have information on the artists of the time.

“I did that until 1980 when I started at the Bathurst commercial radio station, 2BS, firstly as a part-time announcer and then in 1981 full-time.

“I remained with the station until 1996.”

There was a re-shuffle at the station at that time, and two announcers - Trevor included - were made redundant.

“I applied for a job at Mudgee, and Brett Laws was manager there, as well as 2PK here in Parkes.

“He said there might be a position at Parkes. 

“I said I was interested, had an interview and was lucky enough to get the job.

“That was in 1996 and I have been here ever since.”

Trevor arrived with his wife, Lesa and young three months old son, Alex.

Two more boys have since been born in Parkes - William (12) and Patrick (9).

Trevor did not want to leave Parkes, but the family needs to move for medical reasons.

Alex suffers from migraines and he will be part of a special study at the Gold Coast University.

Trevor is hoping to find work in radio, and has his fingers crossed for a position.

“Otherwise, I have a few irons in the fire, even a local newspaper - a different part of the same industry you could say.”

His last program on air will be with 2PK and ROK-FM today from 12 to 2pm, then its straight off to join his family in Queensland.

- - -

Trevor looks back on his time in Parkes with great affection.

“It has been fantastic  here,” he said.

“We have had two children here, so it will always be part of our lives.

“People are what make a town, and this is a very welcoming, nice and friendly place.

“When we arrived, we were made to feel very welcome, very quickly.  

“It’s a good place to live.”

When Trevor started in Parkes, he did the drive shift - from 3pm to 6pm.

But over the years, he has done everything - commercial copy writing, news gathering, outside broadcasts, on call during severe weather (the last time was for the Eugowra floods) and countless interviews.

“I have interviewed a great many politicians including former Prime Minister, John Howard, was one of the last to speak with Barry O’Farrell before he stepped down as Premier, the infamous Michael Cobb and present local MP, John Cobb.

“But the music industry interviews I have done are really special, including Adam Harvey, Becky Cole, John Paul Young, Gina Jeffries, Col Joyce, Dean Z (Elvis impersonator), Johnny Chester and even Jimmy Rodgers.”

“It has been a wonderful place to work here at 2PK.  

“Station manager, Jacqui Sullivan has been here the whole time and everyone has been terrific.

“I’ve been part of the furniture for almost 20 years. 

“Jacquie has often had to dust me off with Mr Sheen,” he laughed.

“I even remember the very first song played on ROK-FM which started in 1997 - “We Will Rock You.”

His favourite song?

Quick as a flash he says: “American Pie by Don McLean, the full eight and a half minute version of it.”

Favourite artist?

“Where do you start, I have so many.  Rolling Stones, Beatles, Elvis, Sherbert...I could go on and on.  

“I just love the music.”