The ABC bureau that's older than the organisation itself celebrates 95 years

Long before smartphones delivered footy scores in an instant, central Queenslanders tuned their radios to hear Terry Moore's familiar voice each weekend.For more than two decades, the late rugby union correspondent was one of the many voices that became synonymous with ABC Capricornia, including on the station's Sports Show from the early 1980s."It was a unique program where rugby union, rugby league, Australian Rules [Football] and soccer [correspondents] all sat in the room together and basically chewed the fat," Terry's son, Tom Moore, reflected."It was an amazing show and it was predominantly local sport, which was fantastic."Tom Moore with a framed service medal and letter presented to his late father Terry from then-ABC board chair Donald McDonald. (ABC Capricornia: Russel Talbot)The show evolved in 1990 into the weekend institution known today as ABC Grandstand Sport.As ABC Capricornia celebrates 95 years of storytelling this week, generations of dedicated staff and volunteers have reflected on the Rockhampton station's role in central Queensland life, including the Moore family."Saturday was rugby day for the Moore family and the whole day started here in the studios at ABC," Tom said."The rest of the day was spent at rugby, and if Terry Moore wasn't at Rugby Park on a Saturday afternoon then something was wrong."A photo of engineers with the original microphones from 4RK in the 1930s. (ABC Capricornia: Jess Hinchliffe)The stories, the crises, the communityFrom sharing the region's sporting triumphs and community milestones to serving as the trusted emergency broadcaster through floods, cyclones and bushfires, ABC Capricornia has been a constant for almost a century.As one of regional Queensland's oldest radio stations it is, in fact, older than the ABC itself.Known as 4RK in its humble beginnings, the privately-run Australian Broadcasting Company started the station at Gracemere on the outskirts of Rockhampton in 1931.The Australian Broadcasting Commission, later to become Corporation, was launched the following year.The ABC took on 4RK, and the Rockhampton station became the fledgling national broadcaster's first regional Queensland radio station.The station moved to its current location on Quay Street in 1963 into a building that was formerly Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company's head office and gold vaults.The ABC Capricornia building on Quay Street was once the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company office. (ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)Legacy lives on through airwavesTerry Moore's early involvement began with the ABC's classical music Concert Series in the late 1960s before becoming a much-loved contributor on the station's sports show, anchored by CQ's "voice of sport" Vince Pheely."Dad had probably close to 35 years involvement with the ABC," Tom said.After a short battle with bowel cancer, the long-serving rugby union stalwart and one of the founding members of the sport in Rockhampton died in October 2001.Some of the station's broadcast equipment used in the early days, alongside an old newspaper clipping calling for music auditions. (ABC Capricornia)Six months before his death he was honoured with a letter of "special recognition" and a meritorious service medallion from then-ABC board chair Donald McDonald."Your regular reports on rugby union happenings on the ABC Capricornia Saturday sports program have helped give our regional service credibility and authority, and have been widely appreciated by the Queensland audience," Mr McDonald wrote."ABC regional radio wouldn't enjoy the standing it has in the community without the voluntary efforts of people like yourself who've been prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the people of central Queensland."You've not only kept the local community well informed on your chosen sport but have presented these reports with great warmth and good humour, endearing yourself to many of our listeners."From the Queen's message to election results and Test cricket coverage, ABC radio and TV in its humble beginnings in Rockhampton. (ABC Capricornia)Tom Moore, who followed in his father's footsteps behind the microphone on the Saturday sports program from the early 2000s, said the honour was a source of immense pride for his family."It was special recognition for what dad had done, and if we don't have volunteers like that then shows like that don't happen," he said."He was instrumental in forming and revitalising rugby [union] in Rockhampton back in those years."ABC Capricornia was the first ABC station in regional Queensland. (ABC Capricornia)Celebrating 95 years of AuntyCentral Queensland-based Nationals leader Matt Canavan said ABC Capricornia's 95-year history was a "pretty big innings" and testament to the station's deep roots in the community."It just emphasises how important Rockhampton has been to our state and country's development, with it being the first ABC radio station in regional Queensland," he said."It won't be long until it hits the big 100, and it's great to see that it's still continuing to provide important news to our region."The ABC Capricornia building on Quay Street in Rockhampton as it is today. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams echoed those sentiments, also paying special tribute to the local emergency broadcaster."The ABC is the backbone of regional Queensland. From sharing local news, stories and events to preparing us and responding to natural disasters," he said."Our local station has been at the forefront of every major event that's happened in our region for the last 95 years."According to Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland, the "remarkable milestone of 95 years of serving central Queensland" showed its continued importance as a trusted source of news and information for the region."This anniversary is a testament to the dedication of its journalists, presenters, producers and staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to keep central Queensland informed."