By Molly Magennis
Radio veteran and Kingsville resident Billy Pinnell has been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia for his service to radio broadcast media.
Mr Pinnell has been on the radio since the ’80’s, talking all things music on The Album Show and Blast From the Past on 3AW. The broadcaster is also a freelance music writer and has been a mentor to musicians and performers over the span of many years.
The first job Mr Pinnell had was in a radio station when he was 14 years old.
“This is why this award is very much appreciated, because I honour the music that’s given me so many wonderful opportunities in my life, the people I meet, just the joy of listening to live music and to recorded music, they’re things that I really cherish,” he said.
While he’s grateful for the recognition, the broadcaster said this opportunity allows him to give back to the community he loves, by spreading awareness of the hardships musicians are currently facing due to COVID.
“It gives me an opportunity now [to highlight] the urgent need of support for the arts in general, but because it’s my area, for music, for venues owners, for musicians who are going through a really, really tough period at the moment, lots of times without any sort of support,” he said.
“I’ve always thought music has been like a medicine, and [with] what’s currently going on around us we need that medicine even more and more now.”
Mr Pinnell said the way to support musicians right now is buy their music online, and when it’s safe to do so, go out to venues and see local acts.
“The average person can help by becoming aware of places where they can go and watch live music. There’s still plenty of places that are still available that have people come in.”
