Premium Content:

RTRFM's history on display at Alternative Frequencies

Community radio station RTRFM’s history has been put on display at the State Library as part of the station’s 40th birthday celebrations.

- Advertisement -

Alternative Frequencies:40 Years of RTRFM celebrates WA’s longest running community radio statiion with an exhibition that features a collection of audio, images, stories, memorabilia and equipment

The exhibition is a journey through the sometimes turbulent, often uplifting and always community-focused history of RTRFM. The exhibition celebrates the past, present and future of the radio station.

Originally named 6UWA and housed on the grounds of the University of Western Australia, the station was the first in WA to broadcast in stereo.

Later merging with Murdoch University to become 6UVS on the 92.1 frequency, the station became an incubator for student activism and alternative music, operating as a counter point to commercial broadcasting.

After several battles for survival, the predominantly volunteer driven project lost its university funding. Volunteers banded together to start again and RTRFM was born. The station operated with its call signal being a play on ‘Arty radio’.

Curated by RTRFM and the State Library, the trip down memory lane features a unique collection of audio, images, stories, memorabilia and equipment that not only tell the story of RTRFM, but the story of community radio in Western Australia.

CEO and State Librarian, Margaret Allen said that she was thrilled the State Library could showcase such a unique part of the State’s history and culture.

“The spirit of Western Australian community is highlighted in this exhibition. Alternative Frequencies: 40 Years of RTRFM demonstrates the widespread positive impact of a Western Australian community driven project. ”

Rewi Lyall, Chairman of the RTRFM Board commented that the exhibit captures the significant role the station has played in championing local talent over that station’s forty year history.

“RTRFM has played an important part in supporting the development of arts and culture in Western Australia, and helped launch the careers of numerous Western Australian bands, artists and presenters.”

Alternative Frequencies: 40 Years of RTRFM runs until Sunday 11 February 2018 at the State Library of Western Australia. 

Source: Media Release


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

 

Latest

‘Reckless’: New First Nations-led comedy thriller premieres this November

The new series from SBS and NITV brings the drama to Fremantle.

City of Vincent Film Project returns to celebrate local stories and creatives

The initiative highlighting local stories and supporting WA creatives is back for another round in 2026.

Bibliophile | ‘The Warrumbar’ tells a story of Australia’s haves and have-nots

The year was 1969 when thirteen year-old Robbie rode three miles to high school, with one sister sitting on the handle bars.

Former actor Laurence Fox gains retrial over racist defamation claim

An appeal court has found that Fox's counter claim in a libel case should have been heard, but the original judgement will remain.

Newsletter

Don't miss

‘Reckless’: New First Nations-led comedy thriller premieres this November

The new series from SBS and NITV brings the drama to Fremantle.

City of Vincent Film Project returns to celebrate local stories and creatives

The initiative highlighting local stories and supporting WA creatives is back for another round in 2026.

Bibliophile | ‘The Warrumbar’ tells a story of Australia’s haves and have-nots

The year was 1969 when thirteen year-old Robbie rode three miles to high school, with one sister sitting on the handle bars.

Former actor Laurence Fox gains retrial over racist defamation claim

An appeal court has found that Fox's counter claim in a libel case should have been heard, but the original judgement will remain.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Ladytron, Melanie C, Sudan Archives, Courtney Barnett, Tame Impala, Louis Tomlinson and Eurovision star ADONXS.

‘Reckless’: New First Nations-led comedy thriller premieres this November

The new series from SBS and NITV brings the drama to Fremantle.

City of Vincent Film Project returns to celebrate local stories and creatives

The initiative highlighting local stories and supporting WA creatives is back for another round in 2026.

Bibliophile | ‘The Warrumbar’ tells a story of Australia’s haves and have-nots

The year was 1969 when thirteen year-old Robbie rode three miles to high school, with one sister sitting on the handle bars.