One of PBS' longest-serving volunteers, David Heard, has been awarded a posthumous Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to community radio.
The late David Heard was nominated for an OAM in 2021 for his commitment to the station, while he was still broadcasting at PBS.
David was a founding member of PBS, and served as a volunteer broadcaster and in a variety of different volunteer roles over a 41 year period. Fondly remembered as the host of Acid Country (2000-2021), he presented other programs including Mainly Acoustic, One-C One In Concert and numerous other shows at PBS since 1979.
PBS was a huge part of David’s life – first connecting with the station when he was 22 years old – and he became a role model for many fellow announcers.
David Heard was known for being modest, humble and never centring himself: for him it was always about the artists and the music. He’d frequently interview local and touring country, singer-songwriter, alt-country, outlaw, roots-rock artists, often hosting multiple guests per show, and was recognised as Yarra City Council’s Citizen of the Year in 2014 for his services to the local music scene.
He once referred to country music as "the leper of the music scene" and had an unwavering belief in supporting under-represented music, as well as informing and entertaining audiences.
He gave a lifetime of volunteer service to PBS and the music community.
Congratulations Heardy! We miss you.
Background image of David Heard OAM at the 30th anniversary of his program, Acid Country, by Pete Walker.
