Ninety years on air celebrated with flair

By Bree Harding

Sep 20, 2024

It might’ve been a Triple M event, but a trio of Cs were the stars of the station’s 90th birthday celebrations: cake, competition and cash.

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There were tunes, party hats and 90 envelopes, one of which promised the chance of winning a $90,000 prize.

Nick & Josh for Breakfast Triple M Goulburn Valley morning show presenters Nick Feain and Josh Arthur spin the ballot barrel before drawing out a listener's name. Photo by Bree Harding

Triple M Goulburn Valley’s nine-decade milestone was celebrated with its community on Friday morning during the live Nick & Josh for Breakfast show broadcast on the lawn outside its Shepparton studio.

For the past couple of weeks, listeners scored exclusive invites to the celebration, which gave them an entry into the prize draw.

As each invitee arrived, they placed their name into a ballot barrel, which morning presenters Nick Feain and Josh Arthur later enthusiastically spun before they drew a single name from it.

The moment Jo-Ann Arho’s name was pulled from the ballot barrel. Photo by Bree Harding

Shepparton’s Jo-Ann Arho was the lucky listener whose name was chosen.

“I was so nervous when my name was called; my stomach was rumbling,” Ms Arho said.

Listener Melissa Mintern's name wasn’t pulled out as a winner, but she didn’t go home empty-handed, with fun Telstra merchandise offered to the crowd. Photo by Bree Harding

After eating cake, enjoying tunes and loading up on free Telstra merchandise from the event’s sponsor, guests assembled to watch as Ms Arho chose one of the 90 envelopes numbered from one up on the prize table.

Zachary De Lai, 7, enjoyed the morning’s celebrations. Photo by Bree Harding

She chose envelope 19 because the number held special significance in relation to her brother.

Jo-Ann Arho opens her prize-winning envelope, while morning presenter Nick Feain looks on. Photo by Bree Harding

In a bittersweet result, it was not the envelope with the big bucks inside, but one of the remaining 89 that contained a $1000 cash prize.

Ms Arho said she was thrilled to win the smaller prize regardless and didn’t know exactly what she’d use the money for yet, but had a bit of an idea.

The moment Jo-Ann Arho discovered she was $1000 richer. Photo by Bree Harding

“It’s my birthday next week so I might have a little treat,” she said.

For those curious, the $90,000 was concealed in envelope number 23.

Vintage broadcasting equipment and memorabilia was on display. Photo by Bree Harding

Triple M Goulburn Valley honoured its 3SR roots on the day and displayed vintage radio memorabilia while reliving the station’s rich history, capping off 90 years of unforgettable moments in the community and on air.

Presenter Nick Feain, winner Jo-Ann Arho and presenter Josh Arthur during the live broadcast on the lawn out the front of the Triple M Goulburn Valley studio on Friday morning. Photo by Bree Harding

“It’s amazing to see Triple M Goulburn Valley celebrating 90 years,” Victorian-South Australian state content director Mal Lewis said.

“From our 3SR beginnings to becoming Triple M, we’re proud to have connected with generations of listeners across the Goulburn Valley, providing the entertainment and music they love.

“Being part of such a vibrant local community is a privilege. Here’s to the next 90 years."