Get ready for some great tunes this Friday as Glenn Shepherd returns to the airwaves.

Born in Cessnock in 1956, Glenn has held a lifelong passion for radio. At the age of 17, he aspired to become a radio presenter and created a series of demonstration tapes. However, in those days, attending Radio School was the only pathway into radio, and as he couldn't afford that route, he started working at the Port Kembla Steelworks in 1976 as a trainee metallurgist. This marked the beginning of a 40-year journey in the industry.

Within the BlueScope organisation, Glenn held various supervisory roles, including Departmental Manager and Safety Manager at Port Kembla. He concluded his career as the Safety and Business Improvement Manager, overseeing responsibilities across Australia and New Zealand. His focus on safety and improvement made a significant impact on the industry, and he travelled extensively during this time.

After retirement, Glenn shifted gears towards community service, actively volunteering in the Aged Care Industry. His dedication extended to his position on the Board of the Kiama Golf Club, a role he has held for a considerable time.

As a founding member of Kiama Community Radio and the current Chairperson of KCR, Glenn played a pivotal role in shaping the station into a significant community service. KCR, which streams 24/7, has become an integral part of the Kiama local government area, fostering connections and providing a platform for community voices. Glenn's commitment to KCR is evident in his role as the host of both the Friday morning breakfast show and his "Around the Arenas" sports program, reflecting his love for all sports.

Glenn envisions the expansion of KCR into the FM frequency, aiming for a broader reach within the community. His dedication to the station reflects a belief in the power of community radio to bring people together.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Glenn finds fulfillment in family life. Married to Kerry for 42 years, Glenn is a proud father to a married son, Ben, who is a doctor, and he is now a loving grandfather to two wonderful grandchildren, Jack aged six and Charlotte aged four years. Dr. Ben Shepherd is currently working as an Adjunct Lecturer at James Cook University, specialising in emergency, prehospital, and retrieval medicine.

Tennille Baird is just one local who has been impacted by Glenn’s generosity. She said, “He is a pillar of Kiama and a genuinely nice guy. I have known him most of my life, and he has always been interested in helping the community, volunteering in all manner of ways. He was our swim coach when we were young, running squads at the crack of dawn. He was always so encouraging.”

Glenn experienced serious health problems last year when an annual visit to the skin check doctor prompted urgent hospitalisation. He was shocked to discover that he required immediate heart surgery. Much to the relief of family and friends, he is now in full recovery, and you can bump into him any morning as he walks around the Blow Hole. On Friday mornings, he joins the Man Walk. It may have to be half a walk now that he is back on air!

In Glenn Shepherd, Kiama has not only a dedicated radio presenter but a community figure whose life story reflects a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact. As he continues to guide Kiama Community Radio towards new horizons, Glenn remains a testament to the enduring power of passion, hard work, and community connection.

Catch Glenn this Friday from 7-9 am on KCR.org.au. 

Around the Arenas is broadcast on Monday 5pm, Tuesday 2pm and Saturday 11am.