PBS 106.7FM is very pleased to announce that Helen Jennings has received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to music, particularly through community radio. Helen has been on air at PBS for over 31 years, and we couldn’t be happier to see her work, dedication and skill recognised!
"I’m very honoured to receive this award, both on a personal level and as a community radio volunteer. It’s very gratifying to know that my peers thought enough of my commitment and achievements to nominate me for this highest honour.
My mother was a highly dedicated volunteer, working and fundraising for several charity organisations for most of her life, including the RVIB (now Vision Australia), for which she received a Life Governor Award. I realised at an early age that I had inherited her passion for getting involved with community work. I’ve always had a love of music, and I soon discovered avenues to get more involved in order to promote the genres of music I love, jazz, blues, and roots music. I joined several music club committees, and I co-founded the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society in 1990. I became aware of PBS in its early days, becoming a member in 1984, an active volunteer the following year, and finally a volunteer announcer in 1987.
The growth of PBS and community radio is driven by small groups of passionate volunteers, whose enthusiastic infectious love of music has developed a much wider listener base. It’s this passion to keep sharing the music we love that drives myself and my fellow announcers to broadcast week after week, year after year.
I am very proud to be part of such a strong community, and very grateful for the opportunity to do what I love.” Helen Jennings OAM
“Helen is such a loved presenter at PBS, by listeners, musicians and other PBS folk within the station. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to receive such an honour, for both her contribution to the music community, but also to community radio. Helen Jennings OAM – we all think you’re great, and now it’s official.”
Adrian Basso – PBS General Manager
Helen Jennings presents Roots of Rhythm – Wednesdays 9am-11am on PBS 106.7 FM
A huge congratulations from the entire PBS community.
Michele Bennett, Helen Jennings, Jeanette Polat, Amanda Dweck at Government House
