Wednesday 27 September marked 20 years since Western Sydney community station SWR 99.9FM got its own broadcasting licence. It has been broadcasting round the clock since 2003.

The Covid years were both a challenging time for SWR, as announcers had to find ways to broadcast from anywhere, but they also created an opportunity to future-proof the station with extensive renovations.

Alex Agaciak, the Chair of SWR’s Board of Management said:

“These renovations have given us two brand new state-of-the-art studios with new digital technology that will give the people of Sydney’s West a wider platform to share their music and their content with the rest of the world. I’m thrilled to finally open the doors and welcome the community back to SWR.”

While renovating the studios everything moved to SWR’s off-site broadcast caravan.

Wayne “Busco” Buscombe spent 18 months hosting his breakfast show from the Caravan saying:

“I’m looking forward to getting into the new studios which will be the best in Western Sydney.”

SWR’s Board and members acknowledge and thank Blacktown Council alongside Stephen Bali, State MP for Blacktown and Ed Husic, Federal MP for Chifley for championing SWR’s renovation project with access to grants and funding.

A new lineup of programs will launch on October 14 before everyone is invited to the new studio’s grand opening on Saturday 21 October with live music and entertainment.

Michelle Rowland MP for Greenway and Communications Minister (plus regular guest on Busco for Breakfast) and Blacktown’s Mayor Tony Bleasdale will do the honours of cutting the ribbon at 10 am.

SWR’s new on-air lights