Ausgrid’s Ongoing Support Powers Newy 87.8, Strengthening Newcastle’s Community Connections

1 November 2024

Newcastle’s much-loved classic hits radio station, Newy 87.8, continues to bring a sense of nostalgia and belonging to its listeners, thanks in part to the support of Ausgrid. The local electricity provider hosts our equipment that keeps Newy 87.8 on air, enabling the station to deliver its service across the city.

Since our founding in 2014, Newy 87.8 has been a lifeline for our senior listeners, offering a carefully curated playlist of music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The familiar tunes provide comfort to those who may feel isolated, such as baby boomers living alone or in aged care facilities. The station’s social media presence, particularly through the Newy 87.8 Facebook page, has played an essential role in reducing feelings of separation by sharing local news, updates, and entertainment that engage all generations. This has been especially critical during challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond its musical contributions, Newy 87.8 has a deep-rooted history of community involvement. Before even launching as a radio station, the volunteer team was instrumental in raising substantial funds for the Cancer Council, including helping kickstart the popular Stars of Newcastle event. This annual fundraiser remains a staple of the community calendar and stands as a testament to the station’s enduring commitment to social good.

The station has also been an essential training ground for aspiring media professionals. Over the years, three of Newy 87.8’s former announcers have made the leap to commercial radio, joining 1053 NEWFM. This career progression highlights Newy 87.8’s role in nurturing local talent and preparing them for success in the industry. And we will be onboarding new volunteers soon to keep this tradition alive.

Ausgrid’s support for Newy 87.8 is part of a broader commitment to community welfare. With a history that can be traced back to Shortland County Council and Nesca Electricity, Ausgrid has always played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s development. Their initiatives extend beyond powering homes and businesses, they actively support projects that bring lasting benefits to local communities, from improving energy efficiency to aiding essential services like community radio.

Newy 87.8 continues to grow and thrive, reaching new milestones in audience engagement. Recently, viral posts have driven our Facebook reach to an impressive 3 million views over a 28-day period. Our website now welcomes 80,000 visitors each month, while streaming listenership is at an all-time high.

In addition to Ausgrid, Newy 87.8 Drive Host, Darren McErlain has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to Newy 87.8FM, hosting the ‘Drive’ show daily from 4-6 pm since May 2020. He reached his 1,000th show in Newcastle on February 2, 2023.

The ongoing partnership between Ausgrid and Newy 87.8 highlights how local businesses and not-for-profit organisations can come together to make a tangible difference to the community. Without Ausgrid’s vital support, Newy 87.8 would face challenges to serve as the one of the voices and heartbeats of Newcastle.