Triple R ProfileMelbourne’s radio institution Triple R is turning fifty and has today announced a free all-ages music event in the heart of the CBD.
Federation Square will be converted into a massive celebration of community radio on Thursday, November 12, with Courtney Barnett, Party Dozen, and Kaiit joined by Triple R MCs and DJs.
“It's an incredible privilege to be able to celebrate 50 years of this underground Melbourne icon, Triple R, beside the Birrarung, right in the heart of Naarm, at Fed Square,” said Station Manager Dave Houchin. “It's thanks to so many people that Triple R is thriving at 50 years old. I hope the many thousands of people who have contributed as Triple R volunteers and subscribers over the last half-century feel the pride that I do in the results of their efforts.”
Triple R has become part of Melbourne’s cultural fabric, broadcasting for the first time in 1976 to champion local music, art, and underrepresented issues. From its beginnings in 1976 as 3RMT as an experimental educational joint venture with RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), the 3RRR we now know was awarded its community licence after three years.
Known for its legendary impact on the music and comedy scenes, signature shows like The Breakfasters and The Coodabeen Champions pioneered formats and culture that would spill over into the culture of the city. Not just influential in their hometown, the station has been the breeding ground for countless nationally acclaimed broadcasters and personalities including Sam Pang, Kate Langbroek, Dave Hughes, Zan Rowe, Greig Pickhaver (H.G. Nelson), John Safran, Jane Gazzo, Dave O’Neil, and Fran Kelly.
With nearly a million monthly radio listeners and more than 17,000 subscribers and community members laying down their cash to keep the station thriving, the station is one of the best examples of community-driven broadcasting in Australia.
“For 50 years, Triple R has championed independent music, supported local artists and helped shape Melbourne’s cultural identity,” said a Federation Square spokesperson. “We’re delighted to celebrate this incredible milestone at Fed Square with free live music events featuring much-loved Australian acts. It’s about bringing people together, celebrating the sounds that make our city special and giving a big birthday shout-out to a station that’s been part of Melbourne’s soundtrack for five decades.”
A second Federation Square concert is expected to be announced soon for late November as the 50th birthday celebrations continue.
