Salute to long-serving Don

The man who helped give Redcliffe a community voice is set to be honoured for almost 20 years of voluntary service.

Moves are gathering pace to name the 99.7 Bridge FM base, at 75 Anzac Ave, after the radio station’s president Don Gailer.

It will salute the man who has given two decades to the organisation and made major “contributions to local media and volunteerism”.

Moreton Bay City Councillors unanimously back the plan, which is subject to public notification. If it clears that hurdle, a history board will also be installed.

Suggested wording is: “Named in honour of Don Gailer, whose leadership and dedication built 99.7 Bridge FM into a community voice.

“His legacy continues to inspire volunteerism and civic pride in Moreton Bay.”

Mr Gailer joined 99.7 Bridge FM in 2006 when it was in Sorrento St and has served four terms as president, so far.

His weekly Hump Show, with Atcho, has hit the airwaves more than 500 times in the last 12 years and followed six years on the Saturday Sports Café.

After a break, Mr Gailer rejoined the station in 2013 when it was $400,000 in debt, had only two people on air and was in danger of being shut down by the Office of Fair Trading and ACMA.

He put together a committee which cleared the debt in two years and laid the foundations for the financially-viable community station it is today.

Under Mr Gailer’s leadership, 99.7 Bridge FM has supported fundraising efforts, public events and partners with local charities and service organisations.

Beneficiaries include Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital (raising more than $220,000), Rockin 4 the Homeless, Convoy for Kids and the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

It has also promoted “volunteerism and civic engagement through community broadcasting” and mentored hundreds of volunteers, many of whom have gone on to commercial radio.

“These activities demonstrate sustained community support and recognition of Mr Gailer’s contribution,” the Council report adds.

Mr Gailer has lived on the peninsula for 60 years. He arrived aged 10 and went to Clontarf State and Clontarf State High Schools.

With wife Gayle he owned a Gold Lotto Business in Victoria Ave (Lucky G’s Gold Lotto) after working as a national warehouse and transport manager.