Prominent Adelaide media identity Leith Forrest has accepted the newly-created honorary role of patron of Millicent community radio station 5THE-FM.
The one-time 5THE-FM presenter and Millicent High School Student Representative Council president got his start in broadcasting in his teenage years at the station around three decades ago.
Mr Forrest regularly returns to his hometown and was the master of ceremonies at Millicent Lights Up ahead of last Christmas.
He is about to take the helm of the top-rating flagship evening program on Radio 5AA after 22 years in other subsidiary roles.
However, he has not forgotten his roots and reached out to offer assistance to newly-installed 5THE-FM chairperson David Walshaw and his management committee.
Mr Walshaw said his willingness to assist the Millicent station was a couvwp along with his acceptance of the patron’s role.
“Leith wrote to the new management committee and congratulated us on our initiative,” Mr Walshaw said.
“He had been watching the events of the past six months with great interest.
“Leith acknowledged the pivotal role played by 5THE-FM in his successful media career.
“He offered his services in any way such as a management committee member or supplier of content and we are pleased that he will be our patron.”
The backing of Mr Forrest is one of a number of gestures which have buoyed Mr Walshaw and his management committee since their installation a week ago.
Cards and flowers have been delivered to the station’s office and studios which are again now staffed each weekday.
Furthermore, volunteers from Mount Gambier sister community radio station 5GTR-FM have come to Millicent this week to assist with various technical matters.
For example, they have offered and installed a loan desk for studio two.