We were deeply saddened recently to learn that the former Station Manager of Eastside Radio, Philip Shine, passed away after a long fight with cancer.

Phillip Shine was a big part of Eastside Radio for around a decade in the 1990’s. He provided valuable support and guidance to everyone here at the station, firstly as a volunteer and then in the role of Station Manager, as appointed by the Board.

During this time he made the incredibly successful decision to steer the direction of the station towards a jazz focus. A sound that still resonates with our programming today. This not only gave the station a identity with which to recruit new presenters, most notably from the jazz community, but it gave the listeners a sound that enabled our audience to grow. Within a matter of moments the station had a niche sound, unique to the airwaves of Sydney and one that perfectly encapsulated the arts and cultural community on our doorstep of the Eastern Suburbs.

Philip also had a keen ear for what was taking place in the studios. He listened religiously and could often be driving around the city, tuned in to the show on air and calling the station to tell the presenter that their levels needed a boost. He was equal parts big brother and supportive mentor.

As a leader he had a strong presence, something that’s definitely needed at a community radio station. I enjoyed hearing from presenters, who I often found challenging, how they would tell me that he dealt with their demands swiftly, with a very firm hand. There was no love lost on his management style and he seemed to get the most out of people who might otherwise walk over a less imposing figure.

Having an eye for talent is key to working with volunteers and on more than one occasion Philip recruited new people into the station that others would have easily overlooked. Firstly, the discovery of Troy Garner, a young queer indigenous and sometimes homeless individual would leave a lasting impression on not only Eastside but the whole community radio sector, which now honours his contributions with the naming of their annual sports broadcasting award. Secondly, the simple placement of an ad in a music newspaper looking for jazz presenters would result in legendary saxophonist Bob Bertles walking into the station for a broadcasting career that would last for 20 years alongside other notable jazz alumni on the airwaves.

Philip was always looking to bring people together from different communities. At the same time his experience and insights provided countless catalysts for new opportunities that could help a station grow. At the CBAA Conference in 2015 a simple remark about Eastside Radio winning the sector’s highest award in 1999, The Tony Staley Award, for our Jazz Overnight system back when he was Manager, produced the spark in which we would dramatically increase the number of entries for the annual awards. Since then we’ve been nominated as finalists across a myriad of categories a total of 26 times in 8 years!

Towards the end it became harder for Philip to be on the frontline of community radio and he was forced to spend less time in a station and more time at home. In 2022, at the CBAA Awards Gala, he was awarded the Michael Law Award, the highest award bestowed upon an individual, the acknowledgement of decades worth of service across several stations and the sector. A year later as Eastside Radio celebrated 40 years on air I called Philip to ask him about our history, knowing he was not well and not really taking visitors. Still, he answered the phone and happily remarked “no, I’m happy to speak to you. I’ve always got time for Eastside.”