Bush Wireless

Community radio was new to country Victoria when 3CCC began in Castlemaine. It actually broadcast from Harcourt, 8 km from the town, from a studio built in a disused railway building. Most of the locals had heard vague reports of a couple of community stations in Melbourne, but not always good reports. FM radio was unknown, therefore 3CCC had to work hard to gain acceptance. Within a few short years it became one of the most notable and respected community radio stations in Australia. Among those pioneer broadcasters was Ian Braybrook. Ian began as the nervous reader of local newspaper items for the print handicapped, 'Newspaper of the Air'. He went on to present countless radio programs and became a popular broadcaster across the region. Along a thirty-five year journey, he achieved several levels in management and had a big hand in establishing another three stations. He also met and came to know hundreds of people from all walks of life. This is his story.