Yass FM has celebrated 25 years of broadcasting with a special anniversary gathering at the Yazzbar, bringing together past and present presenters, members, supporters, family and friends.
The celebration in August 2026 marked 25 years since Yass FM began broadcasting under its temporary community radio licence in 2001, marking a milestone built on thousands of hours of volunteer commitment and a shared passion for community radio.
The station’s story began even earlier, with a public meeting in August 1998 and the formation of Yass Community Radio later that year. Test broadcasts followed in 1999, before the station received its permanent licence in 2003.
A highlight of the anniversary was the presentation of Lifetime Memberships to founding members Rob Groves, Kim Turner and Geoff Frost, recognising their longstanding contribution to Yass FM and the local community. The awards were presented by Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones.
Their recognition reflects the contribution of the many volunteers who have helped build Yass FM over the years presenting programs, working behind the scenes, organising events, supporting local organisations and keeping the station on air.
Today, Yass FM has a bright future – the station continues to grow and attracts quality volunteers with new shows and ideas. Yass FM looks forward to securing a permeant home and progressing the new studio build in Victoria Park to be your ‘Your Voice in the Valley’ for the next 25 years.
Find out more about our history as Jo Shipley chats with founding member and current President Geoff Frost: The Yass FM Story – Celebrating 25 Years.
Congratulations – and thank you – to our new Life Members!
Robert Groves
More than 25 years ago, Robert Groves saw an opportunity to establish a local radio station for Yass. Drawing on his previous broadcasting experience, including helping establish Queanbeyan FM and beginning his career at CTC7 in Canberra in 1973, Rob and fellow postman Warren Williams called the public meeting that marked the beginning of Yass FM. His broadcasting and technical knowledge proved invaluable in turning the idea into reality.
From the outset, Rob was instrumental in building the station’s technical foundations. He helped transform the old Water Works building into Yass FM’s first home, sourced and installed equipment, established transmission links and later helped relocate the transmitter to Mt Manton.
He designed and built the station’s distinctive collapsible transmission tower, which continues to support Yass FM, and built its first Outside Broadcast unit, taking the station into the community. He also presented Young Country, a programme that remains part of Yass FM today. Rob’s technical expertise, persistence and commitment during those challenging early years helped turn a community idea into an established local radio station.
Kim Turner
Kim Turner was a strong supporter of the idea of a local radio station from the outset. At the first public meeting to discuss establishing Yass FM in the late 1990s, Kim provided practical support by offering the offices of the Yass & District Pastures Protection Board, where he was Secretary, as a meeting place for the fledgling committee. This support helped the group progress towards securing its broadcasting licence. Kim also helped secure a significant donation from Yass Rotary, providing the equipment needed to launch Yass FM and establish the station within the local community.
Kim soon became a presenter, initially hosting The Best of British, before taking on the role of rural affairs reporter in 2005. More than 20 years later, Kim’s Rural Roundabout remains a Yass FM institution, providing listeners with a distinctive local perspective on rural life and issues affecting the Yass Valley. Through his practical support, fundraising, presenting and long-standing commitment, Kim has been an important part of Yass FM’s history and growth.
Geoff Frost
Geoff Frost was there from the beginning of Yass FM, one of the community members who believed Yass needed its own local radio station. Drawing on his experience with Rostrum, Geoff helped shape the founding committee in the late 1990s. He encouraged Brian Millett to become the station’s inaugural President and took on the role of first Vice President. From those early days, Geoff has remained one of the station’s enduring driving forces, serving two terms as President, guiding Yass FM through significant milestones including the move from the Waterworks studio to the Pool House and fundraising for the station’s permanent home.
He has also become one of Yass FM’s most recognisable voices, co-hosting Yes, Yass It’s Saturday with Brian Millett before developing Here Comes the Weekend and Frosty Sunday Morning. Through his interviews, community news and local affairs coverage, Geoff has provided a welcoming platform for local voices and stories for more than 25 years. His leadership, knowledge of the community and unwavering commitment have made him a significant part of Yass FM’s history.