Vale Trevor Cowling

Well known South Australian radio identity, Trevor Cowling, passed away recently and one of his many great friends, Steve Whelan, penned the following tribute.
 
Very sad news re the passing of Trevor Cowling, affectionately known as TC. Here’s a brief history of his amazing career.
 
He commenced working at 5AD in 1957. At the time 5AD was the number one station in South Australia, a position it held for many years.
 
TC commenced as a Presentation Officer, and soon began producing the major Top 40 programs for the station, under Program Manager Alec Macaskill. TC’s enthusiasm was quickly recognised by the record companies, and he then began a fascinating relationship with all of the companies.
 
His passion for music and the artists soon had him promoted to the position as Program Manager, with 5AD remaining as the Number 1 station in Adelaide.
 
As PM he continued to maintain his own private vinyl record collection, also with many rare imports and special boxed sets of albums, thanks to the generosity of the record companies. His record library has every single, EP and LP ever released by Elvis.
 
As Program Manager he played a management role in securing many of the best radio announcers in SA at the time. Well known DJ’s such as Bob Francis, John Vincent, Barry Ion, Tony Pilkington, and Sam Galea. 5AD continued as the number 1 station for many years with other successful DJ’s such as Bob Byrne, Jeff Sunderland, Keith Conlon and  Chas Lumsden.
 
At a later stage, TC moved from the 5AD record library, to the Sales team at 5AD, and he was a winner there as well! His natural ability to build relationships with clients soon had him as one of the best in Sales.
 
TC touched so many lives over the years; was always encouraging and supportive. His sense of humour, his loyalty and camaraderie was always there for everyone.
 
His wife Elaine has advised that there will be no funeral. The family ask for privacy at this time.
 
Trevor Cowling has left the building; and certainly one of the great radio personalities in Australia.   
 
Steve Whelan was an employee of 5AD and 5SE over a 25-year period from 1960 working alongside Trevor in as station manager, sales manager, writing news and news presenter, on-air personality, copy, schedules and production manager.

 

 

 


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